The United States government just removed sanctions on Milorad Dodik. He is the highest-profile of the Bosnian Serb nationalists, and like his patron Russian President Vladimir Putin. Former President Donald Trump’s allies ensured this move was made by lobbying the decision-makers hard and aggressively. Consequently, it has ignited considerable discussion regarding its potential impact on regional stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dodik has been a dominating force in BiH’s Srpska entity’s political landscape for over 20 years. This region is one of the two political divisions that together form the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His tenure has been undermined by persistent threats to divide Srpska from Bosnia and join it to Serbia. This disquieting step has increased worries that ethnic unrest may be emerging across the area. The U.S. Treasury Department has previously described Dodik’s network as a “corrupt patronage network.” They raised major alarms over the extent of his power over local politics.
Dodik’s behavior serves to further stop Bosnia’s integration into the European Union, an organization he frequently threatens to leave, as he regularly incites ethnic tensions. His personal ties to the Russian dictator Putin are well-documented. Adding to Bosnia’s geopolitical predicament is the fact that the two leaders routinely meet together in Russia. Last year, as part of a new wave of sanctions, the Biden administration sanctioned Dodik personally. This followed the July 2017 sanctions of the last administration, wherein the Trump administration placed sanctions on Dodik for undermining the Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War.
In a welcomed step, Dodik has just been removed from his position as president of Srpska. A federal Bosnian court found him guilty for actions that weakened the Dayton Agreement. He was later convicted and subsequently banned from holding state political office. The sanctions relief granted by the Trump administration has given new life to his political career. Immediately following the decision, Dodik sent his thanks to Trump and his staffers on Slack. He asserted that they had righted “a serious wrong” committed against Srpska.
As this begins to heighten speculation about potential political motivations, behind the scenes Dodik is working to get Trump’s support as early as the 2024 election. This amid Trump’s ongoing criminal trials. In February, the then former mayor of New York City and currently Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, paid a visit to Srpska. He brought Dodik to visit him on his incredibly popular podcast, leading to energetic exchanges about their new-found Pandorish alliance.
For her part, New Hampshire U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called the recent lifting of sanctions “reckless and premature.” Concerns have emerged regarding the potential ramifications of this decision on Bosnia’s political stability and its ongoing efforts towards European integration. Andi Hoxhaj, a specialist on Balkan politics, commented on the regional ramifications of the U.S. moves.
“What sort of message does this send – that if you have the right connections and the right lobbyists, you can be removed from the sanctions list? It’s setting a negative precedent.” – Andi Hoxhaj
The easing of sanctions has additionally been touted by Dodik supporters as a victory over globalist opponents. Laura Loomer, a political activist linked to Trump’s inner circle, stated that this move represents “the latest example of the brazen assault against Trump-like leaders across the world.”
Despite these developments, Dodik is unapologetic and undeterred. He has repeatedly called for increased support from both America and the international community.
“America needs you, but the rest of the world as well!” – Milorad Dodik
Dodik’s increasingly isolationist political moves and his ongoing, deep ties with Putin makes this all the more imperative for the U.S. position in the region. Others see the decision to remove sanctions as a form of political support for a leader. This community leader has been accused of creating further divisions in the community, as well as corruption.
