Timor-Leste in 2010 continued to stabilize following the political and social crisis of 2006–08. With strong economic growth and a calm security situation, the year was defined by twin national debates that will dominate the country's long-term future: how to manage its significant energy resources and how best to use the accruing wealth.

Timor-Leste was badly shaken by a violent national crisis from April 2006 to April 2008. Central to the turmoil were the presence and actions of two groups of ex-soldiers from the Timorese army, known as ““petitioners”” and ““mutineers.”” This article examines their roles in driving the crisis, by empirically mapping their history, motivations, and relationships.