Peacebuilding and Corruption – Case study Bosnia and Herzegovina

Over a decade since the cessation of conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina the country still
records extremely high levels of corruption. Despite most extensive donor efforts to
reform the country and develop it to a sustainable level, the ruling elites managed to slow
progress down and profit from such a status quo. The international approach had its flaws
that worked well for the corrupt elites and allow them to maximise their illegal proceeds.
Duality of power removed accountability and responsibility from either the international
community running affairs, or the elected leadership. Lack of clarity relating to
development aid, role of the international agencies, their exit strategy and reform
priorities only fuelled corruption, not only locally but sometimes also among the
international staff present in BiH. Lack of democracy was displayed by the corrupt
leaders as well as some top international representatives, diminishing the quality of
delivered aid and the citizens’ living standards.

Documents

Oxford presentation