Ethnic Divisions and Power Politics: Unravelling the Barriers to Managing Diversity and Democratization in Post-Conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

This article critically investigates the factors leading to the stagnation of democratization and the persistence of societal divisions in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), with a particular focus on the role of political elites. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines historical comparative analysis with qualitative content analysis of political developments, media reports, and public statements. The research uncovers that political elites in BH have systematically exploited and deepened ethnic divisions as a means to consolidate and maintain power supporting the hypothesis that insufficient success in managing diversity is influenced by the interests of political elites to maintain political power through ethnic divisions. This process of homogenizing ethnic groups for political leverage is identified as a significant barrier to democratization and societal integration. The study also examines the lingering effects of ex-Yugoslav socialism and regional geopolitical influences, particularly the relationships with Serbia and Croatia, in shaping the nation’s political and ethnic landscape. The main findings highlight that the deliberate actions of political elites, aimed at reinforcing their power bases through ethnic polarization, are the principal contributors to the failed democratization and the continuation of a divided society. The study underscores the necessity for policy interventions that target the root causes of ethnic division, emphasizing the need for political reforms that diminish the power of elites to manipulate ethnic identities for their gain. These insights are vital for understanding the challenges in BH and offer valuable lessons for other post-conflict and multi-ethnic societies grappling with democratization and ethnic reconciliation.