The role of Euro-Atlantic integration in strengthening the defense sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Ovaj završni rad analizira ulogu euroatlantskih integracija u jačanju obrambenog sektora Bosne i Hercegovine, s posebnim naglaskom na proces pristupanja članstvu u NATO u. Prikazuje se kako su mehanizmi suradnje, poput Partnerstva za mir, IPAP-a, MAP-a i drugih, doprinijeli profesionalizaciji i modernizaciji Oružanih snaga BiH, kao i institucionalnim reformama koje su povećale transparentnost i civilni nadzor nad vojskom. Istražuju se koristi članstva za regionalnu sigurnost, međunarodnu suradnju te unutarnju stabilnost. Unatoč napretku na vojnom planu, rad ističe političke prepreke, unutarnju fragmentaciju, sporove oko vojne imovine te negativan utjecaj vanjskih aktera, kao glavne faktore koji usporavaju napredak BiH ka punopravnom članstvu. Zaključno, euroatlantske integracije nisu samo sigurnosni i politički proces, već i test političke volje domaćih aktera za istinskom reformom i prihvaćanjem zajedničkih vrijednosti zapadnih demokracija.This thesis analyses the role of Euro-Atlantic integration in strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina's defence sector, with special emphasis on the accession process to NATO membership. It highlights how NATO’s cooperation mechanisms, such as the Partnership for Peace, Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), Membership Action Plan (MAP), and others, have contributed to the professionalisation and modernisation of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as to institutional reforms that have enhanced transparency and civilian oversight of the military. The benefits of membership are explored in terms of regional security, international cooperation, and internal stability. Despite progress in the military domain, the paper emphasises political obstacles, internal fragmentation, disputes over military property, and the negative influence of external actors as the main factors slowing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress toward full membership. In conclusion, Euro-Atlantic integration is not only a security and political process but also a test of domestic political will for genuine reform and commitment to the shared values of Western democracies