The U.S. Navy Should Make a Port Call in Bosnia’s City of Neum​

By Dr. Harun Karčić

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, concerns escalated that the conflict could spill into the Balkans, particularly given the unresolved Kosovo-Serbia dispute and tensions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Existing Russian influence in the region exacerbated these fears. In response, Western diplomatic efforts intensified, and the European Union (EU) revived its enlargement policy. Two and a half years later, while the region remains relatively stable and has avoided a return to the 1990s wars, security issues persist. This is evidenced by the September 2023 shootout between Serb militants and Kosovo police. Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina endures significant divisions, with Republika Srpska pushing for de facto statehood.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the historic accord that concluded the devastating war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While global reflections on the progress made since 1995 abound, it is clear that Bosnia remains a fragile state grappling with numerous challenges, including rising ethnic tensions and external pressures from Russia. In this context, a U.S. Navy port call in the Adriatic coastal city of Neum would serve as a powerful affirmation of American commitment to Bosnia’s sovereignty and its future as a member of the Euro-Atlantic. The first such visit occurred in 2003 when USS Nicholas made a historic stop in Neum, and the second by USS Ramage in 2006, both holding symbolic importance. However, no U.S. ship has visited Bosnia’s post city Neum in the 19 years since.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political landscape is deeply divided along ethnic lines. Milorad Dodik, the leader of Republika Srpska, consistently advocates for greater autonomy and potential independence for the Serb-majority entity. Backed by Russia, Dodik’s rhetoric and actions pose a significant threat to Bosnia’s stability and unity. A U.S. Navy port call in Neum would send a definitive message to Dodik and his Russian supporters: the United States remains deeply committed to Bosnia’s future as a unified, multiethnic state. This move would also reassure Bosnia’s other ethnic groups that the United States stands firmly against any attempts to dismantle the country’s constitutional order.

The United States was heavily present in the Balkans in the 1990s and in Bosnia and Herzegovina in particular following its successful shepherding of the peace agreement in 1995. However, following the 9/11 attacks U.S. attention was diverted to Iraq and Afghanistan, Washington outsourced its peacekeeping and state-building missions in Bosnia to the Europeans,  . The result has been a power vacuum filled by Russia, China and rising Serbian and Croatian nationalism. Today, more than half a million people in the Balkans follow pro-Russian Telegram channels in Serbian and Russian languages. These channels urge followers to donate military equipment to Russia and join military units composed of Serb volunteers on the Ukrainian frontline. The most popular posts, which have had tens of thousands of views recently, are dedicated to Serbian-Russian brotherhood, the Orthodox Church, glorification of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and criticism of NATO.

In recent years, the Kremlin has expanded its propaganda efforts across the Western Balkans, particularly targeting ethnic Serb communities in Serbia, Bosnia, and the broader region. The Kremlin funds the Balkan languages version of Russia Today and Sputnik Srbija news website and radio station, headquartered in Belgrade. There is also the Russia Beyond the Headlines—a Kremlin-sponsored media outlet—churning propaganda in the Balkan languages. These platforms leverage historical and cultural ties between Russians and Serbs, emphasizing their shared Slavic ethnicity and Orthodox Christian heritage. They portray Russia as Serbia’s only true ally while discouraging aspirations for the region’s integration into Western institutions, such as NATO and the EU. Local commentators and media outlets sympathetic to these narratives are paid to amplify the Kremlin’s messaging—an attractive side job for many poorly paid academics, journalists and political analysts. Key themes include reminders of NATO bombing of Belgrade to sustain anti-Western sentiment, conspiracy theories alleging Western efforts to erode Serb identity, glorification of Serb war criminals, and valorization of Vladimir Putin and the Russian military. Russia is also cast in this media as a protector of Serbs, particularly in Republika Srpska, the Serb-majority entity in Bosnia. Ahead of Bosnia’s October 2018 elections, analysts at Jane’s 360 observed a surge in Twitter activity promoting pro-Russian narratives and advocating for Republika Srpska independence.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strategic location in the Western Balkans renders it a key player in regional security architecture. Although not a NATO member, Bosnia has been a NATO partner since 2006 and aspires to eventual membership—which is blocked by pro-Russian Serb politicians. The country’s path toward European Union and NATO membership has been slow, hindered by internal divisions and external pressures. Despite these challenges, many Bosnians remain committed to Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Dayton Peace Agreement remains the cornerstone of Bosnia’s post-war recovery. Signed under U.S. auspices, the accord not only ended the bloodshed but also established a governance framework that has sustained Bosnia’s fragile peace for three decades. However, its implementation has faced challenges, including ethnic divisions, political gridlock, and economic stagnation. A U.S. Navy port call in Neum during this thirtieth anniversary year would remind the world of America’s pivotal role in ending the war and shaping Bosnia’s post-conflict trajectory. It would also underscore the ongoing necessity for U.S. engagement to ensure that the principles enshrined in Dayton continue to guide Bosnia’s development.

The Adriatic Sea serves as a critical maritime corridor for NATO operations. A U.S. Navy port call in Neum would emphasize NATO’s commitment to securing this vital waterway and deterring malign actors. As Bosnia’s only coastal city, Neum represents the country’s maritime gateway to the world. Despite its modest port infrastructure, its symbolic importance far outweighs logistical limitations. By making Neum a focal point of naval diplomacy, the U.S. can reinforce Bosnia’s role in regional security and encourage greater NATO engagement in the Western Balkans.

The Western Balkans is a region characterized by shared challenges and interdependencies. While Bosnia faces unique issues, its stability is intrinsically linked to that of its neighbors. A U.S. Navy port call in Neum could promote greater regional cooperation on security and economic development. By engaging with Bosnia and its neighbors, the U.S. can encourage cross-border collaboration and mutual understanding. Initiatives like joint naval exercises or maritime security workshops would strengthen regional capabilities and contribute to long-term stability and prosperity.

Neum’s port infrastructure is limited, and the city lacks facilities for large naval vessels. However, smaller ships such as frigates, patrol vessels, or an expeditionary fast transport (EPF) could be deployed, ensuring the visit’s feasibility and impact. Joint efforts with the Bosnian government and local authorities could also improve the city’s port infrastructure, creating opportunities for future naval engagements. By investing in Neum’s maritime capabilities, the U.S. can leave a lasting legacy that benefits Bosnia and the wider region.

As Bosnia and Herzegovina marks the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the time is ripe for a renewed demonstration of American commitment to the country’s sovereignty and a Euro-Atlantic future. While logistical challenges exist, the symbolic and strategic benefits far outweigh the costs. By making Neum a focal point of naval diplomacy, the United States can reaffirm its role as a guarantor of peace and stability in the Western Balkans and help Bosnia continue on its path toward a secure future.

Dr. Harun Karčić is a journalist and political analyst covering the Balkans. Over the past two decades, he has authored numerous articles on geopolitics, religion and security in the post-communist Balkans. 

The views expressed in this piece are the sole opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Center for Maritime Strategy or other institutions listed.