Dodik receives award in Chicago, says crimes by some Serbs “must be condemned”

Dodik took part as a guest at a forum titled “Advocating for Democracy,” but it was his speech - notably different in tone from many of his previous statements - that attracted significant public attention.

During his address, Dodik spoke about the legacy of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating that crimes were committed on all sides. He also took a firm stance regarding individuals from his own ethnic group:

“Crimes were committed by some members of the Serb people. I do not defend them. They should be condemned. I renounce every Serb who committed crimes against another people and justified it by belonging to the Serbian nation. Those are not Serbs,” Dodik said.

Dodik’s participation in the event did not pass without criticism. Several organizations representing the Bosnian diaspora in the United States - including JednaBiH, JaBiH and MidwestBiH - publicly protested the event and his appearance at the university.

While Dodik adopted a more conciliatory tone during his U.S. visit, his rhetoric at home has often been markedly different. He has repeatedly described Bosnia and Herzegovina as an “unworkable state” and advocated greater autonomy for the Republika Srpska entity.

He has also frequently challenged rulings of international courts and, in the past, referred to some convicted figures as heroes. One of the most controversial aspects of his political record remains his repeated denial of the Srebrenica genocide, despite rulings by international tribunals.

Observers note that Dodik has often adapted his messaging depending on his audience - shifting from a pro-Western stance earlier in his career to closer ties with Moscow, and periodically attempting to re-engage with Western institutions.

His latest remarks in Chicago, in which he distanced himself from those who committed crimes, are seen by some as an attempt to soften his image internationally at a time of mounting political and economic pressure.