State Building and Democracy in Divided Societies - The case of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract: This thesis explores political systems of divided societies with the emphasis on democratic principles, hence its influence on fundamental elements for establishing a stable state. To demonstrate such system, this case study sheds light on a desperate situation of a forgotten country in southeastern Europe, once recognized for being a strong state and home for the population carrying different ethnic backgrounds and beliefs. Bosnia-Hercegovina, the former member of the Yugoslavian federation, has these past years struggled with its political transformation from being a communist regime to becoming a fully democratic one. Due to this, an analysis is provided of the Dayton Peace Agreement- a peace plan that shaped the political system for Bosnia. The results show that the agreement was considerably complex and to lacking of consociational principles to fit a country fragmented and divided as BosniaHercegovina. The suggestions offered in the concluding remarks are influenced by the consociational theory and its many advantages, as this study confirms its accuracy and stability.