DEMYSTIFICATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITIES – REQUIREMENT FOR THE COEXISTENCE OF DIFFERENT NATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

UDK 323.1:2-67(497.6)(091)

In this article the author elaborates the aspects of ethnic distance between various national communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina as result of the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina of 1992-1995. He also analyses the issue of the attitudes of national communities towards the state through a comparison of this attitude in countries of Western and Eastern Europe to that of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Multi-ethnic structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina does not allow for a legislative state order structured in accordance to religious or language principles. A combination of national and republican models of political union is more appropriate for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some examples of multicultural and multinational states which have successfully developed a transnational identity are also elaborated here. Thus, the citizens of Switzerland declare themselves as Swiss regardless of their belonging to various different national communities and regardless of the different languages they speak. The solution to problems which are inserted into Bosnia and Herzegovina from neighbouring states will initiate processes that will result in creation of a native nation. The issue of demystification of national identities will be solved by implementation of UN charter of Human Rights and by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s joining Euro-Atlantic integration.