Have ethnic divisions deteriorated mainly as a result of collective economic hardship?
Fifteen years on from the end of the war, any optimism that existed around the turn of the millennium has all but dissipated thanks to Bosnia’s economic woes. The dire economic situation, especially during the economic downturn of the past two years, has encouraged politicians on all sides to seek to distract attention from the harsh realities of daily life – particularly rising unemployment and poverty – and growing sense of frustration by playing the nationalist card; thereby contributing to a further deterioration in ethnic divisions. Strong support for the SDP, which has traditionally campaigned on social and economic issues, however, suggests that some voters have become more alert to the ploys of their politicians. Indeed, much of Dodik’s support derives from the steps taken to reform the Republika Srpska’s economy, promote foreign investment and create employment opportunities. The same cannot be said about the Federation, which remains hamstrung by bloated bureaucracy, ineffect
