Raising a Nation

Raising a Nation, the third volume of Xanana Gusmão's speeches, shows the intellect, emotion, and poetry that the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste displayed in his public speaking, and in his leadership.

Xanana Gusmão's journey to become leader of his country is one of the world's great stories. From guerrilla fighter during his country's occupation, to a prisoner in exile, and finally returning to become one of the founding fathers of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmão's life has provided him with the political and visceral experiences that few other modern political leaders possess.

The speeches collected here, celebrate how one man has taken his small, new nation onto the international stage. To the world's established nations, they stand as a reminder that leaders with honesty, humility, and clarity of vision have a place in our world.

To emerging nations, following in Timor-Leste's footsteps, these speeches will provide practical insight into nation-building in the twenty-first century.

There is much yet to be achieved in Timor-Leste, but through these speeches, we begin to understand where the nation has come from. This will give its people, and the rest of the world, great hope for its future.