Sliding into the abyss? Bosnia-Herzegovina 30 years after the start of the war

This article reviews the current political, social and economic situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina just after the thirtieth anniversary of the start of the war (April 1992). Drawing on a variety of judiciously-chosen contemporary sources in the German language, and taking account of the parallels which can be drawn with analysis of the geopolitical significance of the war in Ukraine, the authors consider the impact of the nationalisms which have taken centre stage not only in how Bosnia-Herzegovina is currently viewed in international perspective but which, more importantly, have sparked sabre-rattling threats of secession. In part, such threats represent a diversionary tactic by political leaders in the light of various enduring domestic crises, including unemployment, corruption and the emigration of skilled young people, but they may see the country slide into the abyss. Nevertheless, the authors are not without hope that the ‘togetherness’ which represents the Bosnian specific can be rebuilt, despite media focus on ethnic blocs and division, but the positive signs that do exist need to be both captured and reinforced.