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Following the fall of Communism, almost all multiethnic states in Europe disintegrated into nation-states, the concept upon which the modern politics of the European continent were originally based. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the sole truly multiethnic state that remains. Its unique value is now threatened both by dysfunctional Dayton arrangements and those who believe that multiculturalism is workable only within the context of the European Union. This lecture will explore why the unique mix of ethnic and religious groups found in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be preserved if the European Union is to stay true to its declared values and ideals.

 

Minister Sven Alkalaj is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2007. From 2004 to 2007 he held the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Belgium, and Head of Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, Brussels, Belgium. From 2000 to 2004 Minister Alkalaj held the post of Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Organization of American States, Washington DC, United States of America. From 1994 to 2000 Minister Alkalaj was the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States.