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In a new historical interpretation of the relationship between Australia and East Timor, Susan Connelly draws on the mimetic theory of Ren 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 Australia's conversion process through eventual recognition of the innocent victim and their 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.