Christian Schmidt’s resignation as High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina signals a new phase in the country’s diplomatic history. As the public awaits the appointment of his successor, this text provides an overview of the diplomats who have led the Office of the High Representative (OHR) from 1995 to the present and contributed to maintaining peace and supporting the country’s institutional development.
The Office of the High Representative was established under Annex 10 of the Dayton Peace Agreement to oversee the civilian implementation of the peace settlement.
Over the past three decades, the role has gradually changed from an advisory position to one with stronger executive authority, particularly after the introduction of the “Bonn Powers” in 1997.
Since the signing of the peace agreement in Paris in 1995, eight diplomats have served as High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their role has been closely connected to the country’s stabilization and institutional development. Each of them left a particular impact, ranging from early post-war reconstruction to constitutional and electoral reforms.
Chronology of High Representatives (1995–2026)
1. Carl Bildt (Sweden) established the foundations of the institutions immediately after the war. He served as High Representative from December 1995 to June 1997.
2. Carlos Westendorp (Spain) introduced the first state symbols, such as the flag and the currency. He served as High Representative from June 1997 to July 1999.
3. Wolfgang Petritsch (Austria) focused on the return of refugees and constitutional changes regarding constituencies. He served as High Representative from August 1999 to May 2002.
4. Paddy Ashdown (United Kingdom) was most active in using the Bonn Powers and reforming defense. He served as High Representative from May 2002 to January 2006.
5. Christian Schwarz-Schilling (Germany) advocated for the principle of “domestic solutions” instead of imposition. He served as High Representative from January 2006 to July 2007.
6. Miroslav Lajčák (Slovakia) focused on attempts to reform the police. He served as High Representative from July 2007 to March 2009.
7. Valentin Inzko (Austria) held the longest term in history, which ended with the imposition of the law prohibiting genocide denial. He served as High Representative from March 2009 to July 2021.
8. Christian Schmidt (Germany) has focused on electoral integrity and unblocking institutions. He has served as High Representative since August 2021.
First Deputies: American Support and the Brčko District
Principal Deputies High Representatives play an important role in the structure of the High Representative and, by unwritten rule, are typically from the United States. They also serve as supervisors for Brčko District, which is considered one of the most successful international interventions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Principal Deputies to date have been:
1. Louis J. Crishock (Current Deputy since August 2024)
2. Jonathan Mennuti (2022 – 2024)
3. Michael Scanlan (2019 – 2022)
4. Dennis W. Hearne (2017 – 2018)
5. Bruce G. Berton (2015 – 2017)
6. David M. Robinson (2014 – 2015)
7. Tamir G. Waser (2013 – 2014)
8. Roderick W. Moore (2010 – 2013)
9. Raffi Gregorian (2007 – 2010)
10. Lawrence Butler (2005 – 2007)
11. Donald S. Hays (2001 – 2005)
12. Ralph Johnson (1999 – 2001)J
13. Jacques Paul Klein (1997 – 1999)
14. Michael Steiner (1996 – 1997)
The High Representatives: European Pillar of the Office of the High Representative
In addition to the first deputy, the Office of the High Representative has historically had senior deputies who coordinated specific reform sections. These deputies included Peter Bas-Backer, Martin Ney, Werner Wnendt, Bernard Fassier, Gerhard Enver Schroembgens, Matthias Sonn, Matei Hoffmann, Hans H. Schumacher, and Gerd Wagner.
What Does the Ninth High Representative Inherit?
Christian Schmidt’s resignation announcement came at a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina is trying to accelerate its European integration but still struggles with deep political divisions.
The successor to the eight previous diplomats who have led the Office of the High Representative will face the same challenge: how to fulfill the “5+2” agenda and bring the country to a point where an international supervisor is no longer required, N1 writes.
