Overview

In a new historical interpretation of the relationship between Australia and East Timor, Susan Connelly draws on the mimetic theory of René Girard to show how the East Timorese people were scapegoated by Australian foreign policy during the 20th century. Charting key developments in East Timor’s history and applying three aspects of Girard’s framework – the scapegoat, texts of persecution and conversion – Connelly reveals Australia’s mimetic dependence on Indonesia and other nations for security. She argues that Australia’s complicity in the Indonesian invasion and occupation of East Timor perpetuated the sacrifice of the Timorese people as victims, thus calling into question the traditional Australian values of egalitarianism and fairness. Connelly also examines the embryonic conversion process apparent in levels of recognition of the innocent victim and of the Australian role in East Timor’s suffering, as well as the consequent effects on Australian self-perception. Emphasising Girardian considerations of fear, suffering, forgiveness and conversion, this book offers a fresh perspective on Australian and Timorese relations that in turn sheds light on the origins and operations of human violence.

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9781350161474

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Reviews

Connelly cuts through the modes of avoidance that shield us from seeing what we do not want to see - that East Timor's crime was its very existence. Her discussion of scapegoating and its associated ancient and modern myths is an unsettling but valuable experience. * Clinton Fernandes, Professor, University of New South Wales, Australia * Susan Connelly is the gentle but relentless Australian advocate for the Timorese quest for justice. She travelled to Timor for many years and worked in the Mary MacKillop Institute of East Timorese Studies. She continues to campaign for truth, transparency and fairness for a small neighbouring nation whom successive Australian governments, she attests, have not treated as an equal partner. In this book, Susan Connelly draws on the mimetic theory of Rene Girard to show how the East Timorese people were scapegoated by Australian foreign policy. Her unique on-the-ground experience, knowledge and involvement combined with her scholarly research make this an compelling read. * Vincent Long OFMConv, Bishop of Parramatta, Australia *

Author Information

Susan Connelly is a Sister of St Joseph who has taught in both Catholic and State Schools in Australia. She has worked with the people of East Timor for over 20 years in cultural support and advocacy for justice.

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