The protest movement that has recently thrust Bosnia in the international spotlight is yet another warning sign that stability in the Balkans remains illusory. The dangerous mix of nationalism and corruption boiling in Republika Srpska (one of two entities) threatens to set off a wave of unrest that jeopardizes all of Europe.

The crisis unfolding today started with the death last March of David Dragicevic, a 21-year-old activist who had previously protested police brutality and unexplained deaths. Despite wounds suggesting a violent struggle, authorities initially ruled his death a suicide. David’s father accused the authorities of a cover-up and began staging daily protests.