Democracy, Culture of Dialogue, Tolerance and Ethnic Relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Democracy, Culture of Dialogue, Tolerance and Ethnic Relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Summary/Abstract: Today’s Bosnia and Herzegovina is a highly segmented state and society, taking into account ethnic, regional, religious and cultural-historical differences that undoubtedly exist within the state. As a state with a complex state system, Bosnia and Herzegovina is dominated by opposing and particular national and social interests that do not contribute to the establishment of unity and social compromise. After the fall of communist ideology and entering a long process of political and economic transition, Bosnia and Herzegovina is shaped by national exclusivism and ethnocentrism, or national (collective) identities, which inevitably leads to complete neglect of the individual (citizen) as the basis for civil society in full. The mentioned negative tendencies, along with the noticeable lack of democratic tradition to rely on and low level of education of the population could significantly slow down political and economic development, as well as the successful development of democracy in the country. On the other hand, ethnic relations play a crucial role in the distribution of political power in the state and although ethnicity itself can be a source of problems and instability in the state and society, it can also serve as a useful political tool for state regimes to build parties, mobilize population and combat opposition. In order to achieve a lasting solution to ethnic conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a radical change in the distribution of political power and influence in society is necessary, with emphasis on the ethnic reorganization of the police and army as the basis of the security system. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, state-building largely takes precedence over nation-building, as indicated by various indicators such as the centralization of power, building of the army and police, and the strengthening of the bureaucracy. In order to continuously strengthen the development of democracy in the country, it is necessary to constantly work on the development and strengthening of dialogue and tolerance between the three ethnic groups, improving the understanding of other cultures and the adoption of cultural pluralism.

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