The ODNI sees another ethnic violence threat in pro-Russia Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who is taking “provocative steps to neutralize international oversight in Bosnia and secure de-facto secession” for Republika Srpska, Bosnia’s Serb-dominated entity.
Dodik has repeatedly threatened to secede from Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is expected to open membership talks with the EU. While declaring the European path “important,” he visited both Russia and Belarus just last month.
The ODNI expects this behavior may “prompt leaders of the Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) population to bolster their own capacity to protect their interests and possibly lead to violent conflicts that could overwhelm peacekeeping forces.”
The Director of National Intelligence oversees the U.S. intelligence community and serves as principal adviser on intelligence issues to U.S. President Joe Biden.
