Source link : https://europ.info/2025/11/17/30-years-of-struggle-the-ongoing-challenge-of-nation-building-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-2/
Thirty years after the Dayton Accords ended the brutal conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, hopes for a stable and unified nation remain elusive. Despite international efforts and extensive peacebuilding initiatives, the country continues to grapple with deep ethnic divisions, political stalemates, and economic challenges. This article examines the persistent obstacles that have hindered nation-building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyzing why three decades of intervention have failed to deliver lasting reconciliation and sustainable statehood.
Challenges in Establishing Political Unity Among Ethnic Divisions
The persistent ethnic fractures within Bosnia and Herzegovina have consistently undermined efforts toward cohesive governance. Deep-rooted historical grievances and the legacy of the 1990s conflict manifest as political deadlock, with each ethnic faction-Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs-prioritizing communal interests over national imperatives. This entrenched identity politics fuels fragmentation, making it nearly impossible to form unified policy agendas or establish a shared sense of purpose necessary for sustainable nation-building.
Complicating these divisions is the complex constitutional framework established by the Dayton Agreement, which institutionalizes ethnic representation but also entrenches political stalemates. Key challenges include:
- Power-sharing gridlock: The rotating presidency and tripartite governance system incentivize ethnic blockades rather than…
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Author : Jackson Lee
Publish date : 2025-11-17 11:26:00
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