In this Research paper I will discuss the importance of District Brčko of Bosnia and Herzegovina for peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this paper I will include the time from 1992, Dayton peace negotiations, grounding decision for Brčko District in 1999 and its important facts for Bosnia and Herzegovina, what this decision brought good and what does not function, up to latest decision of frizzing of OHR office in district Brčko. I will also highlight current political discourse in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its effects on security in Bosnia and Herzegovina are. Keywords: District Brčko, Ethnic segregation, Dayton peace agreement, Separation process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Peace in Bosnia, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Srpska.
In 1995 with signing the Dayton Peace Agreement armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina has ended. It was signed by representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia and the Contact Group Nations. Amongst other, DPA has divided Bosnia in two parts. It is important to mention that Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is then divided in ten Cantons. Most of them are with Bosnian majority, but some of them are also with Croat majority, mainly in southern Bosnia. DPA has indeed stopped the armed conflict in Bosnia, but it did not resolve the ethnic tensions that where still more than obvious in Bosnia. Milestone of ethical and religious division is the education in Bosnia. At the moment there are three different curriculums active in Bosnian primary schools: Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian. Radušić writes that there are no teaching plans and programs at the state level, but only at the Entity level. Radušić was speaking about the “National groups of subject”.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction to the issue area
Context information
Starting and end of armed conflict in Brčko:
Political challenges for Brčko district
Aims of research and research questions
Methodology
Data collection
Disposition of the paper
Theoretical perspectives
Defining ethnicity
Defining ethnic conflict
Empirical observations
Mainstream political discourse in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Education as a security issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Analysis and reflection
Ethno politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Segregation in Bosnian society through education
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This research aims to identify potential triggers for a new armed conflict in Brčko and Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on how political elites manipulate ethnic divisions and how the segregated education system reinforces these tensions to maintain power.
- The influence of nationalistic political discourse on regional security.
- The role of Brčko as a unique multi-ethnic case study for post-war stability.
- How educational curricula serve as a tool for inter-ethnic segregation.
- The manipulation of ethnic identities by political elites for power and wealth.
Excerpt from the Book
Education as a security issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Educational reforms have never been implemented in Bosnia until today, especially not by EU standards. In currant Bosnia and Herzegovina we have three curriculums that are implemented in Bosnian school: Bosnian, Croatian and Serb curriculum. In practice that means that children of different ethnicities learn according to different curriculum. In other words children are segregated in schools according to their ethnicity. Best example for segregation in Bosnian education is a phenomenon called “Two schools under one roof”. It practically means that students of different ethnicities go to the same schools (in terms of building), but are divided in the sense of schools administration and curriculum. This phenomenon is always present in Bosnian and Croats parts of Country. There are currently 52 schools functioning by this principle in Bosnia today, mainly in Central and Southern Bosnia.
In Brčko students go to same schools, all ethnicities are together in one class but are separated during “National group of subjects”. “National group of subjects” includes: Geography, Mother Language, Religion teaching and History. These are the classes where children are separated according to their ethnicity and religion which is a clear form of segregation. Several studies have shown that the content of lessons children learn during the “National group of subjects” are different and that values and concepts presented serve to support ethnical segregation in Bosnia and, one could argue, make a new conflict possible.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the context of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the unique position of Brčko, and the research questions concerning ethnic conflict triggers.
Theoretical perspectives: Discusses academic definitions of ethnicity and ethnic conflict, utilizing theories to frame the Bosnian situation as a result of elite-driven identity politics.
Empirical observations: Examines current political rhetoric and the role of the education system in perpetuating ethnic divisions across the country.
Analysis and reflection: Evaluates the evidence, concluding that political elites deliberately fuel nationalism to maintain the status quo and consolidate power.
Conclusion: Summarizes that the continued segregation in education and politics serves as a potential catalyst for renewed conflict and undermines the future of a unified state.
Keywords
District Brčko, Ethnic segregation, Dayton peace agreement, Separation process, Peace in Bosnia, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Srpska, Ethno politics, Educational reform, Political elites, National identity, Ethnic conflict, Security, Nationalism, Post-conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the stability of the Brčko District and its potential role as a trigger for a new armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, given its status as a multi-ethnic entity.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The study centers on political manipulation, the role of local and state politicians, the influence of nationalistic discourse, and the impact of a segregated educational system on the youth.
What is the ultimate research question?
The central question is whether a new conflict is possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina and if Brčko, as the only multi-ethnic municipality, could serve as the starting point for such escalation.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author uses a content analysis approach, examining official documents, educational textbooks, media content, and interviews to analyze political and social relations.
What is analyzed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the history of Brčko, the theory of ethnic conflict, empirical observations of political discourse, and a critical look at the "Two schools under one roof" and "National group of subjects" systems.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include District Brčko, Ethnic segregation, Dayton Peace Agreement, Ethno politics, and post-war security.
Why is the Brčko District considered unique?
Brčko is the only multi-ethnic municipality in the country that was not assigned to a specific entity by the Dayton Peace Agreement, making it a critical test case for peaceful coexistence.
How do political elites contribute to the segregation?
The author argues that elites manipulate ethnic identities and fear of the "other" to defend their own political power and wealth, rather than offering solutions for economic recovery.
What role does the education system play in ethnic divisions?
The education system acts as a tool for fragmentation by using separate curricula and the "National group of subjects," which enforces segregation and creates differing historical perspectives among students.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sanel Zilic (Autor:in), 2014, The Importance of the Brcko District in Bosnia Herzegovina, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/445087
