EFEKT DOMINANTNE STRUJE I EFEKT POLARIZACIJE U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI: MIŠLJENJE JAVNOSTI O EUROPSKOJ UNIJI
THE MAINSTREAM EFFECT AND THE POLARIZATION EFFECT IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: PUBLIC OPINION ON THE EUROPEAN UNION

Summary/Abstract: This paper tests the applicability of the theses proposed by the renowned American scholar John Zaller regarding the mainstream effect and polarization effect through the example of public attitudes in Bosnia and Herzegovina toward the European Union. Briefly explained, Zaller’s model suggests that individuals form political attitudes based on the availability and acceptance of information, whereby dominant narratives in the public sphere shape public opinion, while political division leads to polarization of attitudes. Analyzing public opinion in the Federation of BiH and the Republic of Srpska, this paper explores how different political leaders’ attitudes influence the perception of the EU among BiH residents. Using data analysis methods drawn from relevant research, the paper tests the hypothesis that political leaders’ rhetoric in both entities shapes citizens’ attitudes toward the European Union, while political affiliation and orientation amplify the polarization effect.

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