Why I Don’t Talk Politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina
An Englishman in the Balkans
08/08/25
•6m
About
Comments
Featured In
For sometime now I have become a permanent resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This podcast episode isn’t about the beauty of the Vrbas river or where to find the best ćevapi (although there’s plenty of that on this channel). It’s about why, despite living here for over two decades, I choose not to talk publicly about politics.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am interested. I follow what’s happening. I see how decisions impact everyday life. But I also know, deeply, that this isn’t my country. And with that comes responsibility: to observe, not interfere. To listen, not judge.
When friends and visitors ask me about the conflict, the three presidents, or the state of the country today, I tell them what I can. But the truth? The truth depends on who you ask.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is many things. Complicated. Fragmented. Yes, dysfunctional. But also endlessly generous, rich in stories, and deeply human. It’s a living archive of history, culture, pain, pride, and resilience.
In this episode, I reflect on the minefield of discussing politics as a foreigner, the legacy of the Dayton Agreement, and why it’s better to explore Bosnia through its people, not its politics.
If you’re curious about this beautiful, complex place, watch, listen, and maybe even plan your own journey to this heart-shaped land.
🙌 Support the Podcast:
If you enjoy the show and want to help keep it going, you can:
→ Share the episode
→ Leave a review
→ Or tip a coffee via Buy Me a Coffee
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
Previous Episode
From Tbilisi to Baku—stories of activism, hope, and media freedom in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
In this special episode, I take you back to Tbilisi, Georgia, one year after my initial media training visit in 2015.
This time, I reconnect with some of the passionate individuals I first met and sit down with new voices who are using online radio and digital media to challenge the status quo in the South Caucasus.
You’ll hear from Zamira, a fearless advocate for digital activism in Azerbaijan, as well as two other remarkable change-makers working to empower youth, promote gender equality, and give ethnic Azerbaijani communities a voice.
Often in places where being heard isn’t easy.
These reflective conversations reveal the power of independent media in regions where mainstream narratives often fall short.
It’s a story of creativity, courage, and connection.
One broadcast at a time.
🎧 Whether you’re interested in media freedom, cross-cultural collaboration, or just love human stories that matter, this episode is for you.
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a review or buying me a coffee, it really does help keep things going.
Want to hear more or catch up on past episodes? Visit anenglishmaninthebalkans
For a deeper look into life here in the Balkans, check out my Blog at Coffee and Rakija.
Find us on ALL podcatchers at: PODLINK
Until next time — stay curious.
Next Episode
Why I Don’t Talk Politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina
August 9, 2025
•6m
Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, where I share personal stories, conversations, and moments of everyday life from my adopted home in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Whether you’re curious about the culture, thinking of visiting, or just enjoy a slower pace of storytelling, there’s something here for you.
Hello again. I’m David, a long-term resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This episode isn’t about the beauty of the Vrbas river or where to find the best ćevapi (although there’s plenty of that on this channel).
It’s about why, despite living here for over two decades, I choose not to talk publicly about politics.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am interested. I follow what’s happening.
I see how decisions impact everyday life. But I also know, deeply, that this isn’t my country.
And with that comes responsibility: to observe, not interfere. To listen, not judge.
When friends and visitors ask me about the conflict, the three presidents, or the state of the country today, I tell them what I can. But the truth? The truth depends on who you ask.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is many things.
Complicated. Fragmented.
Yes, dysfunctional. But also endlessly generous, rich in stories, and deeply human. It’s a living archive of history, culture, pain, pride, and resilience.
In this episode, I reflect on the minefield of discussing politics as a foreigner, the legacy of the Dayton Agreement, and why it’s better to explore Bosnia through its people, not its politics.
If you’re curious about this beautiful, complex place, watch, listen, and maybe even plan your own journey to the heart-shaped land.
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a review or buying me a coffee, it really does help keep things going.
Want to hear more or catch up on past episodes? Visit anenglishmaninthebalkans
For a deeper look into life here in the Balkans, check out my Blog at Coffee and Rakija.
Find us on ALL podcatchers at: PODLINK
Until next time — stay curious.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted