The Unification of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

There has long been a misconception about the repercussions such unification would bring. Many wonder what the purpose of this unity would be, and others simply ask why it would be necessary in the first place. To answer the simple question of why, it is important to note that modern genetic results have in fact confirmed that people within the borders of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are one and the same. They are people who, by all definitions, are one. The unification of these two people, and countries, would result in a Balkan super-power … or rather, an economic wonder. Croatia has one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe, while Bosnia-Herzegovina has important natural resources – including the last rain forest in Europe. These two, when combined, could bring economic prosperity to both regions. The image to the left provides a detailed genetic map of the two countries.

The natural wonders of Bosnia-Herzegovina would serve as a building block for the new nation, while the constant influx of tourists into Croatia would bring substantial wealth for the realization of many national projects. The most debilitating problem, however, is the two main cultures that many consider would “clash.” The Roman-Catholic culture, primarily in Croatia, and the Islamic culture, primarily in Bosnia-Herzegovina. How could these two people, even if they are the same by genetic factors, live side by side? This would first involve the apprehension and acceptance of the first fact, that the Croats and Bosniaks are indeed one people, who are mainly divided by cultural differences (this includes religious). Accepting this would avoid the so-called "clash."

As the study of genetics becomes ever more universal, it will force those within the borders to confront the fact that the people of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are in fact one people. The division between them stems from the times of the Ottoman Empire, which helped realize this division by forcing a foreign culture into Bosnia. Science, for the first time, may in fact bring a reconciliation between a people divided ideologically, and may eventually solve the identity crisis in the Balkans once and for all.

To read the Bosnian/Croatian version of this article, click here.