東帝汶能夠獨立成功有幾個要素，除了東帝汶內部與海外的獨立運動之外，國際社會支持與否才是關鍵因素。在冷戰時期，美國、澳洲爲首的西方國家，基於反共利益支持印尼政府，漠視東帝汶的獨立運動與人權受到印尼迫害的議題。然而，冷戰結束後的1990年代末期，澳洲總理John Howard不顧反對黨的反對，公開支持東帝汶獨立運動，同時也說服美國支持東帝汶獨立運動；加上新任印尼總統哈比比基於爭取國際支持印尼、協助印尼渡過金融危機的政策，無視印尼軍方的反對，允許東帝汶舉行公投。這些諸多的國際因素，都促成了東帝汶的獨立。

This paper seeks to analyze the factors that contributed to East Timorese independence. While the independence movements domestic and abroad contributed to independence, the support of other nations was crucial. In the Cold War era, western nations such as the United States and Australia ignored the repression and atrocities conducted by the Indonesian government, putting geopolitical and economic interests ahead of human rights concerns. However, in the late 1990s, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, despite oppositions from his own party, openly supported East Timorese independence movement. Howard also succeeded in obtaining the support of the United States. Meanwhile, President Habibie of Indonesia opted for a referendum on East Timorese independence despite oppositions from Indonesian military. Habibie's decision was based on the recognition that the stability of Jakarta's elites, as well as the survival of the country throughout Asian financial crisis, depended heavily on the support of world community. The presence of these international factors resulted in the independence of East Timor.