Brčko Arbitration: An Analysis of Legal and Peacebuilding Dimensions

This paper examines the Brčko arbitration process and its role in resolving the complex issues surrounding the status of a disputed border town in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina. It analyzes the historical context, legal framework, and key actors involved, and highlights the unique features of the Brčko arbitration process that distinguish it from other similar cases. The Brčko arbitration process was part of wider peace-building efforts that adopted unorthodox solutions and established a distinctive model of international supervision. Placing the area under direct international administration helped rebuild institutions, foster reconciliation, and facilitate the return of displaced persons in the Brčko District. Arbitration’s limited success in navigating the territorial dispute over Brčko District and promoting stability and cooperation can serve as a valuable case study for future peace-building efforts in war-torn regions.