AI-DPC BiH SECURITY ANALYSIS POLICY NOTE 01: Inflammatory political rhetoric and hate speech in Bosnia and Herzegovina: political elites and the media
AI-DPC BiH SECURITY ANALYSIS POLICY NOTE 01: Inflammatory political rhetoric and hate speech in Bosnia and Herzegovina: political elites and the media

Author(s): Bodo Weber
Contributor(s): Toby Vogel (Editor)
Subject(s): Media studies, Government/Political systems, Security and defense, Inter-Ethnic Relations
Published by: DPC Democratization Policy Council e.V.
Keywords: BiH; political rhetoric; hate speech; political elites; media; local elections; 2012; general elections 2014; Islamist terrorism; Zvornik; police station; social unrest; EU;
Summary/Abstract: Since the international retreat to an “ownership” and EU enlargement-based policy toward Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) a decade ago, political rhetoric in the public space, propagated through the media, has become more polarizing and inflammatory. The pronounced nationalist themes articulated by politicians and their adjuncts, revolving around the future of the state and alleged threats posed to ethnic collectives by adversaries both domestic and foreign (and their supposed local allies), have radicalized the public discourse and contributed to an ambient of fear and homogenization. The topic of “war” has returned to popular discussion. This phenomenon has been observable in media coverage of the 2012 municipal elections, 2014 general elections, issues and events relating to Srebrenica, acts of Islamist terrorism, and popular protests of February 2014. In each instance, political leaders, dubious “experts,” and commentators have all fed a dynamic which could have dire consequences in BiH’s current rules-free environment – effectively generating volatility which could ignite by design or by accident. And while all those with unfulfilled agendas are pursuing them without restraint to form perceptions and opinions in the media arena, the most consistent and radical messaging is emanating from the Republika Srpska Government, and President Milorad Dodik in particular. While BiH politicians define the agenda, the politically captured media provides the means to inflame, intimidate, provoke anger, and stoke fear. This information dominance is a vital element of the BiH political elites’ life support system.

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