BiH and why is it important to look at the sub-state level

Although I often speak of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is important to emphasise that, for analysing policies and political developments, one must consider the sub-state level. The country has a complex governance system. It is divided into two main entities– the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS)—as well as the Brčko District. These sub-state levels each have their own government and parliament. The central government is relatively weak, and most policy areas are handled primarily at the entity level. The Federation is further divided into ten autonomous cantons, while Republika Srpska is more centralised.

This is also important for research on anti-gender mobilisations. Debates, legal changes, and political campaigns can appear very different depending on the entity. This is why I focus closely on the sub-state level. By doing so, I can analyse how anti-gender rhetoric and policies emerge and evolve in different parts of the country, identify key actors, and understand the distinct local dynamics that national-level analysis alone would overlook.