Michael Murphy, former U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke at the panel discussion “Dayton Dialogue: Conversations on Peace and Security in the Balkans,” held at the University of Dayton.
He stated that ideas of a “peaceful separation” are unrealistic, and that a potential breakup of Bosnia and Herzegovina would likely trigger new instability in the Balkans.
“The events in Eastern Europe, especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, remind us that the security of Europe must remain a focus of the United States. If Bosnia and Herzegovina breaks apart, it will not be by mutual agreement. And when it’s not by mutual agreement — there is a danger of spreading instability,” said Murphy.
In addition to European security, a shared stance among several diplomats was that the security of the Balkans, in particular, must be a priority for the United States, but also for Europe in general.
“The current geopolitical moment compels the United States to reassess how we engage with the world,” Murphy emphasized.
Written by our correspondent D.I.
