Publication

This paper details the domination of Bosnian politics by nationalist parties representing the country's three constituent peoples. The author details how the marked deterioration of political discourse has highlighted the enduring power of zero-sum politics and the remaining divisions among Bosnia's citizens. The paper states that while large-scale violence is highly unlikely, some destabilizing factors in the region - especially the likely independence of Kosovo - are certain to be exploited by ethnic entrepreneurs and will find some degree of resonance within the respective ethnic constituencies. The author explains that greater constitutional and police reform will be required in Bosnia for it to have closer ties with the EU, and that the European Union must work hard to compensate for the phase-out of the Office of the High Representative as the main international agency for peace implementation.