Work

Between Practicality and Politics: Factors of Sub‐National Aid Allocation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a unique case of aid recipient for its complex history and administrative and political divisions. Yet, little is known about how foreign aid is allocated to local recipients. This qualitative study uncovers factors shaping sub‐national aid allocation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting donors' and recipients' perspectives on allocation decision‐making in this postconflict, posttransitional context. The study identifies five interacting factors: (i) capable performers, (ii) avoiding uneven development of the country, (iii) leaving a significant footprint, (iv) wider strategies and principles and a rather subsidiary factor of (v) helping where the need is perceived. They encompass practical considerations of recipients' capabilities and needs, aid effectiveness principles, donors' preferences and political notions of enhancing collaboration between state entities and balanced development. The article provides the basis for studying the effects of local aid distribution on regional disparities, as these proved to prompt political contestations.

Source: Journal of International Development

DOI: 10.1002/jid.70053

Authors: Lenka Dušková, Simona Šafaříková, Eva Šerá Komlossyová, Aida Avdić, Boris Avdić, Tereza Nováková

Institutions: Palacký University Olomouc, University of Sarajevo

Language: English

Topic: International Development and Aid

Subfield: Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Partnerships for the goals, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350