This study aims to analyze the governance challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particular focus on the implications of the Dayton Peace Agreement on the country's political landscape. The research seeks to address the following questions: How do ethnic divisions and institutional inefficiencies impact governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina? What role can constitutional reform and military integration play in fostering a cohesive national identity and effective governance?  To explore these questions, a mixed-method approach is employed, combining qualitative insights from interviews with key stakeholders and quantitative data analysis of governance metrics over time. The findings reveal that entrenched ethnic divisions and fragmented institutions significantly hinder effective governance and EU integration. However, the study identifies that a comprehensive framework for constitutional reform, alongside the reform of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, can serve as a catalyst for unifying the country. Military integration is shown to have the potential to transcend ethnic divisions, fostering a sense of national identity and shared purpose. Overall, the study concludes that addressing the structural vulnerabilities in governance requires a multifaceted approach that includes constitutional reform, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of a cohesive national identity through military integration. By implementing these strategies, Bosnia and Herzegovina can enhance its governance capacity and move closer to achieving its EU integration goals, ultimately contributing to long-term stability and state-building in the region.

Bosnia, EU, Outcome, Feedback & Output variables, Enlargement strategy

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