A real-life David and Goliath story, this book details what happened behind the scenes in 2004 as the small nation of East Timor began negotiations with Australia over rights to one of the richest oil deposits in the world. Because of the author's own personal involvement—he sat in on strategy meetings and negotiations as a World Bank-appointed advisor to the Prime Minister of East Timor—he reveals what really happened when a poor nation fought against a giant for their economic future.