Evaluating the Timor-Leste Peace Operation

Abstract

We might evaluate not so much what a peace operation accomplishes itself, but how it succeeds or fails in enriching a network of action that sustains peace. Framed in this way, Diehl and Druckman’s1 evaluation model proves successful in application to peace and conflict in East Timor/Timor-Leste between 1975 and 2012. Its evaluation goals capture most of the crucial aims in play in Timor-Leste and most relationships among them. No model can capture all goals that become contextually important. The Diehl and Druckman approach proves useful as a sensitizing repertoire, but must be complemented by thinking in time and place about other goals and their interactions.