Transgenerational Collective Traumas and Radicalization in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Towards the Establishment of a Framework for Analysis

Abstract

Nearly three decades have passed since the conclusion of the last war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the absence of direct experiences or memories of atrocity crimes and mass victimization, post-war generations bear the long-term consequences of war through the influence of their parents. Collective traumas, both from the distant and recent past, have become integral to group identities and memories, shaping everyday life, narratives, emotions, and mental representations among these generations. These transgenerational collective traumas can potentially lead to the radicalization of young individuals. Surprisingly, the role of group radicalization resulting from collective traumas has been largely overlooked in previous literature. This paper aims to bridge this research gap by elucidating the concepts of intergenerational (collective) trauma, its transmission, and the potential for youth radicalization. Through the synthesis and explanation of these concepts, a framework for a contextualized understanding of how collective traumas impact the radicalization of youth is proposed. To analyze the issue, interviews and focus groups were conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The paper concludes with policy recommendations.