State Building and Democratization in Bosnia and Herzegovina details the post-Dayton evolution of the country over the last two decades. Carefully evaluating the successes and failures the book explores the slow progress of the democratization process and how key elites initially took hold of the state and its institutions and have successfully retained their grip on power, despite heavy international presence and reform attempts to counter-balance this trend. Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a useful lens through which to view international state-building and democratization efforts. International engagement here incorporated significant civilian and military investment and has been ongoing for many years. In each chapter international scholars and field-based practitioners examine the link between post-war events and a structure that effectively embeds ethno-national politics and tensions into the fabric of the country. These contributors offer lessons to be learned, and practices to be avoided whilst considering whether, as state-building and democratization efforts have struggled in this relatively advanced European country, they can succeed in other fragile states.

About the Author

Soeren Keil received a Ph.D. in International relations from the University of Kent and is Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. His main research focuses on institutional design in post-conflict societies with a particular familiar with the Western Balkans, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is especially interested in power-sharing models in divided societies, as well as forms of territorial and non-territorial autonomy for minority nations. Valery Perry received a Ph.D. from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. She has worked for organizations including the NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR), the European Center for Minority Issues, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Public International Law & Policy Group. She is an assistant professor of conflict analysis and resolution at the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, a Senior Associate in the Democratization Policy Council and an independent researcher and consultant based in Sarajevo.

Reviews

'This volume makes a major contribution to helping readers understand why Bosnia-Herzegovina is still deadlocked and why it has made only limited political and economic progress since the end of war two decades ago. Examining the project of post-war state-building, including international involvement in the country, the authors characterize Bosnia as a failed success and remain skeptical about the future of the country. Based on up-to-date materials, the volume will prove useful to anyone interested in Bosnia and belongs in every university library.' Sabrina P. Ramet, Norwegian University of Science & Technology, Norway 'The authors provide excellent overviews and analyses of the complex political, social, military and economic situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with emphasis on the role of the international community. An essential read for those interested in Bosnia, but also for anyone concerned with external attempts at democratization and state-building.' Chip Gagnon, Ithaca College, USA

"...this is an important book, which should consti-tute mandatory reading for anyone interested in Bosnian politics and society, but will be useful also to a broader audience interested in state-building and de-mocratisation."

Sarah Correia, PhD candidate, London School of Economics and Political Science

Book Information
ISBN 9781138307278
Author Soeren Keil
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g