Volu m e I - Purdue University Calumet

it became apparent that there was no option but for the United States to become involved in the Bosnian
conflict. The primary factors that compelled American involvement included a moral commitment to follow
principles and commitments regarding humanitarian intervention and a desire for stability in the region
(Jentleson 440). Thus, while NATO was identified as the intervening organization, it was apparent to the
international community that the United States provided the political will and military muscle. Likely because
of the significant role that the United States played during the war, we have taken on a broader than
anticipated set of tasks in post-war Bosnia. Now, fifteen years later, it is an optimal time for the United States
to reassess its position regarding outside cooperation in Bosnia.
The United State's diplomatic mission in Bosnia is the largest in the Balkans and one of its largest in
Europe. At the same time, Bosnia is on its way to joining the European Union. That begs the question - should
the United States collaborate with European organizations to achieve our goal? If the United States' goal for
Bosnia-Herzegovina is to ensure that Bosnia continues along the path to be coming a stable, multi-ethnic,
liberal democratic society, then it is imperative that America analyze our role visa vie the European
Community. Specifically, is the European Union the means to the end that we have identified given that they
also endorse Dayton? Should the United States let the European Union take the initiative with the OHR? Can
our goals be accomplished through working with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE)? Specifically, can the OSCE serve as a watchdog over the government of Bosnia and promote
democratization as an external and impartial referee? Is it time for the United States to shift into a supportive
role and let the Europeans guide Bosnia into full acceptance on the international level? As these questions are
answered, it will be necessary to assess the potential to achieve the goal of a Bosnian liberal democracy,
through greater collaboration with European organizations and a less visible role for the United States.
Lack of Bosnian Civil Society
One of the most alarming aspects of Bosnian society today is the relative lack of civil society. The
essential absence of civil society is a particular concern as "civil society promotes democratic governance and
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