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.