New York Times on Dodik: Impossible to say how far he is willing to go

The American New York Times published an article about Milorad Dodik, the president of the Bosnian entity Republika Srpska, stating that despite warnings from the international community and rulings of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he organized a referendum on January 9. The US imposed sanctions on Dodik for undermining the Dayton Peace Agreement.

Although he was recognized by both Washington and Brussels as a modern politician who would break with the militant Serbian nationalism that led the Balkans into bloody conflict in the 1990s, Dodik nevertheless turned into a nationalist, turning to Belgrade where his patrons include Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

They recall his relationship with American diplomats in Sarajevo, especially ambassadors with whom he has no communication.

It is also stated that Dodik expects the administration of Donald Trump to lift the sanctions.

- What is more important, he wants respect - the text states.

It is noted that Dodik's aspiration is the independence of the RS entity, and he interprets this as "the desire of the people who live here."

The analysis states that Dodik sees Russia and President Vladimir Putin as one of his closest allies. The text recalls Dodik's statements about a "peaceful separation from Bosnia and Herzegovina," but also notes the procurement of a large quantity of weapons.

- Just this week, he bought 2,500 rifles for the police.

It is impossible to say how far Dodik is willing to go to achieve his goal of breaking up Bosnia and Herzegovina, said Loïc Trégourès, a Balkan expert who has studied Mr. Dodik's rise and teaches at the Catholic Institute in Paris.

Analysts believe he is "ready to do anything to hold onto power."