The President of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivo Miro Jovic, visited the Institute of World Politics on February 3 to discuss world events and his nation’s internal situation with IWP students, faculty and alumni.
In the strongest possible language, he reminded the world of the need to stand by Croatian citizens of his country, highlighting Muslim mistreatment of Christians there and continued ethnic tensions.
President Jovic advanced an idea of decentralizing the government along the lines of a federal, U.S.-style system, or an even more decentralized model such as the Swiss Confederation.
He quoted the late German statesman Konrad Adenauer, who shepherded West Germany’s recovery from Naziism: “I cannot feel that I am living in peace until my people feel they are living in peace.”
Institute President John Lenczowski and IWP Senior Diplomat-in-Residence Thomas P. Melady introduced President Jovic.
“We are honored to have a head of state visit our institution,” said Dr. Lenczowski after the event. “He described issues that our curriculum addresses throughout his remarks. The essence of our academic instruction mirrors his search for mutual respect and peaceful resolution to differences between cultures.
“His presence is a strong testament to our shared mission to teach our tudents and our neighbors that conflict resolution need not include warfare. I am grateful for his willingness to share his morning with our students.”