The Costs and Benefits of Bosnia and Herzegovina joining NATO Alliance
The Costs and Benefits of Bosnia and Herzegovina joining NATO Alliance

Author(s): Denis Hadžović
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Security and defense
Published by: Centar za Sigurnosne Studije
Keywords: BOSNIA and NATO;
Summary/Abstract: As for the reasons that BiH officials have expressed aiming to the NATO membership, it is undoubted that the dominant role was played by the political and military interests. Considering the political consequences of decisions, especially of those that are reaching into the sphere of national interests, it is necessary to guide ourselves with the comprehensive and economic principle overall. This is especially referred to countries with modest economic abilities, in which category BiH can be placed too. The existing budget limitations, as well as global financial crisis are definitely causing public to consider economic aspects of BiH membership in this military-political alliance. Neglecting this form of public debate was most probably caused by the lack of expert analysis and complexity of clear identification of economic factors on benefits and flaws of such a process. Still, the present stage of progress in BiH in its joining the Alliance imposes the need to actualize these issues and consider impartially the financial indicators related to such an important decision on future of BiH citizens. Hence, the aim of this research is to contribute to the quality of discussion that should take place in the public discourse of joining NATO and by perception of objective economic indicators it should enable officials to make their political decisions in the best interest of citizens. At the same time, the support of public opinion in the process of creating public policies is very important; hence it requires authorities to pay special attention to the activities of timely and good quality information provided to citizens on these processes.

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