Political leadership, peacemaking, and post-conflict reconciliation: Xanana GusmAo and East Timor

How and to what extent can individual leaders affect policy making during and after violent political conflicts? Why are some motivated to prioritize settlement and reconciliation? The article addresses these questions through a case study of Xanana GusmAo, who led the 24-year struggle against Indonesian military occupation in East Timor and became president. It assesses GusmAo's influence on conflict and post-conflict policy takes a trait-based approach to understanding the motivations and capabilities of GusmAo and other reconciliation-oriented leaders.