International Actors and Social Policy Development in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Globalism and the 'New Feudalism'

Abstract

This article outlines the current development of aspects of social policy in Bosnia- Herzegovina, paying particular attention to the roles of diverse international actors. Bosnia-Herzegovina is seen as an example of a 'new feudalist' social formation in which the common citizenship model of 'normal' welfare regimes does not apply as a result of: (a) sepa ratist ethnicized claims and loyalties and (b) the fragmentation and multiplication of pol itical authority. The redevelopment of social welfare structures is hampered by the com peting and inconsistent visions and activities of ethnicized, local, national, international and supranational institutions. Dilemmas for supranational agencies such as the World Bank and UN agencies involved in policy advice are, therefore, of a different order to those found in other post-socialist states in the region. In addition, the large presence of International NGOs has not supported the building of a sustainable public policy for the social protection of the population. Support for local NGO development and for 'civil society' has also had unforeseen negative con sequences. Through relating the roles and activities of diverse agencies to various pro grammes of social assistance, health care, and social care, the article argues that a policy vacuum, in part a product of the competition and disarticulation between supranational, national governmental, and non-governmental organizations, actually reinforces 'new feu dalist' trends. An alternative conception of social policy as integrative social development is outlined.