Admir Lisica, a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Sarajevo, assessed that the current geopolitical moment clearly shows big and irreversible changes in international relations, especially in the context of relations between the United States (U.S.) and its European allies.
Speaking at a session of the Association of Independent Intellectuals Circle 99 entitled “The Collapse or Recomposition of International Relations – the Position of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH),” Lisica recalled that historical development, from the First and Second World Wars to the Cold War, confirms long-term U.S. dominance, while Europe has remained largely reliant on U.S. security and political support. As examples of imbalance, he cited the U.S.’ rejection of the Kyoto Protocol, as well as the withdrawal of support for the Rome Statute.
According to him, Europe even today is not able to respond independently to major global crises, including Russian aggression against Ukraine, while the U.S. political approach, especially during the administration of Donald Trump, further increases pressure on European allies.
Lisica believes that BiH must make much more active use of international forums, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, noting that this year’s presentation of BiH was not in line with the challenges of the moment. He emphasized that regional leaders at such gatherings achieve concrete political and economic results, while BiH remains insufficiently visible.
He particularly highlighted the messages of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the need to redefine international relations and the warning that small states must “be at the table, not on the table.” In this context, Lisica stressed that BiH must strengthen internal stability, develop its own capacities, and diversify its foreign policy relations.
He concluded that BiH, in a period of global recomposition of international relations, must not depend on a single international partner, but must actively build relations with various actors in order to preserve and strengthen its position on the international stage.
At the same session, the president of Circle 99, Adil Kulenovic, said that BiH, in the current political and social circumstances, needs a strong civic awakening and a consistent defense of democratic principles. He emphasized that the task of the intellectual community is to clearly warn about processes that threaten the constitutional order, equality of citizens, and the foundations of a democratic society.
Kulenovic warned of the serious challenges BiH is facing, including political blockades, pressure on state institutions, and attempts to weaken statehood, and called for broader social mobilization in defense of the country’s European path. He stressed that Circle 99 will continue to advocate pluralism, open dialogue, and the civic identity of BiH, resisting policies that lead to divisions and the destabilization of society.
