Bosnian Serb Elections Highlight Risks of Separatist Instability Tied to Milorad Dodik’s Legacy

The recent election in Bosnia’s Serb-run Republika Srpska is more than a local political contest; it is a flashpoint revealing how persistent separatist ambitions continue to undermine the delicate peace arrangement that secures stability in the Balkans—a region critical to Western geopolitical balance and, by extension, American national security.Why Does Dodik’s Shadow Threaten American Interests?Milorad Dodik, once the unchallenged pro-Russian separatist leader, was removed from office after defying the internationally backed peace framework established in Dayton in 1995. His removal followed a conviction for obstructing the High Representative—an international envoy overseeing Bosnia’s post-war order. Yet despite his formal ousting and...