Love, activism, and the possibility of radical social change in Mostar

Abstract

This article reflects on the meanings and possibilities of social change in Mostar, a city more often associated with the seeming impossibility of eradicating ethno-national divisions and corruption that paralyses it. It focuses on the under-researched politics of grassroots activism by drawing on Hardt's and Negri's work on the political potential of 'love' to shape and propel radical politics. Overall, the article reveals the lack of a cohesive agenda of grassroots politics in Mostar, and asks whether love (that creates and sustains political movement) can educate, patiently, to the revolution.

“Playing tourist” in a divided city

“…Each population lives with painful memories of the war, and its social and affective consequences can still be very divisive in everyday life in the city as residents continue to hold grudges and negative associations (Laketa, 2016). The divided nature of the city, and of Bosnia and Herzegovina more broadly, are also linked to common perceptions amongst residents of government corruption (Carabelli, 2019). Scholars with interest in Mostar, as well as progressive organizations and local activist groups, have shown particular interest in youth engagement as a pathway toward greater social cohesion and improved societal functioning (Carabelli, 2019; Laketa, 2019; Palmberger, 2019).…”

“…The divided nature of the city, and of Bosnia and Herzegovina more broadly, are also linked to common perceptions amongst residents of government corruption (Carabelli, 2019). Scholars with interest in Mostar, as well as progressive organizations and local activist groups, have shown particular interest in youth engagement as a pathway toward greater social cohesion and improved societal functioning (Carabelli, 2019; Laketa, 2019; Palmberger, 2019).…”