ANALYSIS OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT FOREIGN POLICY TO ESTABLISH THE YOUNG SOUTHEAST ASEAN LEADER INITIATIVE (YSEALI) PROGRAM IN

TIMOR-LESTE (Case study focus on civic engagement in Southeast ASEAN includes Timor-Leste)

Author: ELVIS MARIA DA COSTA BELO, ID 17.03.01.156 elvis.belo987@gmail.com;

Co-author: João Francisco Maia, Lic.CSH.,MDS jfmaia89.nus@gmail.com

Department of International Relations Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Univiersidade da Paz

2021

Rua: Osindo I, Manleuana – Dili, Timor-Leste

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed to analyze the U.S. Foreign Policy to Establish the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Program in Timor-Leste with case study on the Youth in the Southeast Asian in Civic Engagement. The United State of America is one of the important countries that play a crucial role in Timor-Leste. For many years, the U.S. has supported and contributed to Timor-Leste after its Independence Day on May 20, 2002. The U.S. government’s contributions to the Timorese people through education and particularly exchange programs for young people to have a lifetime of experience in ASEAN countries and as well as in the United States. The literatures are included International Cooperation theory, Diplomacy, Government theory, National Interest and Foreign Policy. Research design used for this study is based on the qualitative descriptive. The study is descriptively explained the phenomenon in accordance with empirical reality. The data analysis technique is using SWOT analysis.

The result of this research showed that the beneficiaries of the program get positive impacts in their lives and build connections with emerging young leaders in Southeast Asian countries and also in the U.S. to solve and address the issues related to civic engagement, which include gender equality, discrimination, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and other issues that are related to people. The weakness faced by Timorese youth is language proficiency and international experiences of the Timorese youth. In conclusion leadership skills are the key leading in a community or country by taking action to handle and solve social issues in a sustainable way.

Keywords: Government, Foreign Policy, Youths, Leadership, and Cooperation.

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