The political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina : institutions -- actors -- processes

This book is an introduction to the basics of Bosnian political structure, institutions, and political processes. Twenty-five years after the Dayton Peace Agreement ended the Bosnian war, the political process still maintains various levels and divisions among political entities. A transitional, post-conflict, divided, multicultural, state-building society, Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a complex and unique political system through which a myriad of topics can be studied. Applying multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary methodologies, the book presents a descriptive analysis and critical evaluation of the various aspects of the political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The chapters address various aspects of the political system, such as institutions and state building, the legal system and the post-war constitution, as well as an examination of Bosnia and Herzegovina's place in the international community and their relationship with European Union and NATO. Providing a holistic view of the development, politics, and policy of this unique state, this book will be ideal for students studying the contemporary history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as students and researchers of political science, international relations, and development.-- Provided by publisher Preface 5 Acronyms 7 Contents 9 Chapter 1: Introduction 12 1.1 Historical, Political and Social Context 12 1.2 Constitutional System, Principles and Reform 19 1.2.1 Constitutional System 21 1.2.2 Constitutional Development and the Role of the Constitutional Court 22 1.2.3 Further Democratic and Constitutional Development? The Case-Law of the European Court of Human Rights 27 1.3 Human Rights 30 Chapter 2: Institutions 36 2.1 Collective Head of the State: State Presidency 36 2.2 Parliament: Parliamentary Assembly 41 2.3 Government: Council of Ministers 48 2.4 Reference: Prepared by the Authors, Based on Data from the Council of Ministers Web Page 51 2.5 Judicial System 52 Chapter 3: Federalism 59 3.1 Federal Units: Entities 59 3.1.1 Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 61 3.1.2 Republika Srpska 67 3.2 Brčko District 69 3.3 Local Self-Government 71 Chapter 4: Processes 77 4.1 Elections and Electoral Law 77 4.2 Legislative Decision-Making 82 4.3 Political Culture and Political Participation 85 Chapter 5: Actors 88 5.1 Political Parties 88 5.2 Civil Society and Citizens Interests 95 5.3 Media 98 5.4 International Community 101 5.4.1 Office of the High Representative and the Peace Implementation Council 102 5.4.2 European Union 105 5.4.3 Organization of Security and Cooperation for Europe 106 5.4.4 Council of Europe 107 5.4.5 North Atlantic Treaty Organization 108 Chapter 6: International Politics 109 6.1 Foreign Policy 109 6.2 Regional Relations 110 6.3 European Integrations 112 Epilogue: Is There a Way Out of the Dayton Political System? 114 The Political System of Bosnia and Herzegowina (Without Brčko District) 117 Bibliography 119 Constitutions, Laws, Case-Law Other Legal Documents 124 Web Pages of International Stakeholders, Institutions and Political Parties (All Last Time Accessed on 27 March 2020) 125 International Actors: 125 State Level: 126 Republika Srpska: 126 Federation of BiH: 126 Brčko District: 127 Cantons: 127 Political Parties: 127 Other Stakeholders 128 Print and Online Media 128 Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Introduction (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages 1-24 Institutions (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages 25-47 Federalism (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages 49-66 Processes (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages 67-77 Actors (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages 79-99 International Politics (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages 101-105 Correction to: Institutions (Damir Banović, Saša Gavrić, Mariña Barreiro Mariño)....Pages C1-C1 Back Matter ....Pages 107-122