Political Polarization

Expert estimates of the extent to which society is divided into hostile political camps, and political differences undermine social relationships and discourage interaction across ideological lines. 

Scale: Higher scores = more polarisation.

Direction of Change

POLITICAL POLARISATION FELL SHARPLY, THEN STABILISED AT A LEVEL

The data indicate a distinct two-phase trajectory in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political polarisation. From an extremely high baseline in 1995, the index decreases markedly by 2000, representing the most significant single shift in the entire period. After this early drop, score values stabilise at a much lower but still elevated level throughout the 2000s, showing only small fluctuations with brief rises and dips but no sustained return to early post-war intensity. From roughly 2010 onwards, polarisation levels settle into a narrow band, with minor oscillations that suggest entrenched divisions rather than ongoing deterioration or improvement. By 2020–2024, the index remains broadly aligned with this long-term plateau, indicating that political polarisation has not meaningfully eased despite being far lower than in the immediate post-war years.

Global Rank

Compared with all geographic entities listed in the Index

Note: Population-weighted averages for Europe and the world.

Regional Rank

Compared with six former Yugoslav countries and Albania

Note: In 1995, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo were part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

1995 (highest → lowest): Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Albania.

2024 (highest → lowest): Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, Albania.

Conclusion

Political polarisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped sharply after 1995, then settled into a long-term plateau, leaving 2024 levels far below the post-war peak but still persistently elevated.

Source: V-Dem (2025) – processed by Our World in Data.