ABSTRACT
A primary deficit of the Dayton General Framework Agreement for Peace (Framework) was the absence of a mechanism to strengthen the rule of law. Similarly, the international community (IC) involved itself late in what it stated was a fight against organized crime and corruption. This chapter argues that the IC should have insured that its plan for implementing the Framework included the restoration of the rule of law, and that it should have done so from the outset, firmly and comprehensively. This is not only because of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s unique circumstances but also because the restoration of the rule of law is an essential element of any post-conflict society-building effort. In addition, such an approach would have acknowledged the connection between rule of law and efforts to combat corruption.
