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The OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Testing the limits of ownership

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2018

Valery Perry*
Affiliation:
PILPG, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Soeren Keil
Affiliation:
International Relations, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
*
Corresponding author. Email: valeryperry@yahoo.com

Abstract

This article explores the debate on local ownership in Bosnia and Herzegovina by examining the limits of international community support for reform in a divided political environment in which decision-makers and politicians have little to no interest in reform themselves. After a short review of the key issues and arguments regarding ownership in BiH, the example of education reform is presented to demonstrate the role of the OSCE as an external actor in this reform sector, and the lack of any reform progress in this field in the absence of external pressure. The article closes with reflections on whether or not external organizations can make any systemic-level impact in such a hostile reform environment, and whether the OSCE can still play a constructive role in Bosnia.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © 2013 Association for the Study of Nationalities 

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