Why has Bosnia and Herzegovina remained politically divided since the Dayton Accords?

The Dayton Accords of 1995 successfully ended the Bosnian War, but they also established a highly decentralized and ethnically divided state structure that has contributed to persistent political gridlock.12

The primary reasons for this ongoing division include:

• Constitutional Structure: The accords created a state composed of two highly autonomous entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Most governmental competencies reside within these entities rather than the central government, which remains weak.34
• Conflicting Visions: Citizens and political leaders hold diametrically opposed ideas regarding the state's configuration. While some advocate for a central government with more power in Sarajevo, others—particularly Bosnian Serb leaders—have pushed for a loose confederation that includes the right to secession.13
• Nationalist Opposition: Efforts to reform the unwieldy and costly constitutional framework to improve functionality and facilitate European Union integration have been consistently opposed by nationalist leaders who benefit from the current system.34
• Institutional Deadlock: The complex, ethnically apportioned decision-making process often hampers governance, leading to frequent political stalemates and an inability to coordinate policies effectively.3