UNRAVELING CORRUPTION IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S INSTITUTIONAL AND ECONOMIC DYNAMICS
Abstract: This article critically examines the multidimensional phenomenon of corruption
in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its broader implications for the Western Balkans.
Drawing on historical antecedents and contemporary empirical evidence, the study analyzes
corruption’s entrenched nature across political, economic, and cultural dimensions.
A mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative literature review with quantitative
surveys and statistical analyses, elucidates the interplay between institutional
deficiencies, economic variables, and cultural factors in shaping corruption perceptions.
Empirical findings reveal significant correlations between corruption indices, governance
shortcomings, judicial inefficiencies, and socio-economic disparities, underscoring
the persistent challenge of corruption in post-conflict societies. Moreover, the article
explores the transformative potential of EU integration as a catalyst for institutional
reform and enhanced accountability. The research offers a comprehensive framework for
understanding and mitigating corruption, providing valuable insights for policymakers
and scholars dedicated to promoting transparency and sustainable development in the
region. By situating Bosnia and Herzegovina within a comparative regional and European
context, the study contributes to the broader literature on governance reform by
demonstrating how structural fragility, limited political will, and public distrust collectively
hinder the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives in transitional states.
Keywords: corruption, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Western Balkan countries, European
Union