Trump administration senior official on Dayton and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Same goal, different approach

Landau, Deputy Secretary of State, evoked the historical significance of the Dayton Peace Accords, underscoring that while the agreement is not perfect, its value lies in having stopped the war and enabling a process of reconstruction and reconciliation. "For individuals or for nations, there are few more noble endeavors than seeking peace," the speaker noted, emphasizing that the United States remains committed to that goal, albeit with a new approach.

The representative highlighted that the Trump Administration brings a shift in international policy, centered on practical realism and a readiness to listen to voices on the ground. "I’m here today not to lecture but to listen to those of you from Bosnia and the region. We in the Trump Administration are willing to provide our good offices to improve conditions, but only if our involvement is wanted and warranted," they said.

Sharing a personal perspective, the official revealed that their father was a career U.S. diplomat, and they grew up in various South American countries while their father served as U.S. Ambassador. "I respect and expect different viewpoints and recognize that not everyone is or wants to be exactly like me or my fellow Americans. We can love, and be proud of, our own country while recognizing the vast diversity of all the earth’s peoples," they said.

The speech also referenced President Trump’s recent foreign policy address in Riyadh, where he "acknowledged the disaster of US efforts at nationbuilding around the world in recent decades, and decried the arrogance of those who get off airplanes in foreign lands and think they have all the answers."

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, this means a willingness from the U.S. to engage with all relevant parties. "Agreements must be firm to hold; but you must be flexible to adjust to changing times," the speaker emphasized.

"Let me be clear: the United States is not offering unlimited means for undefined, uncertain, or unrealistic ends. This basic point is lost on too many advocates for remaking foreign societies along utopian lines. We’re not interested in imposing a vision of a society that reflects the preferences of distant bureaucrats and narrow activists," the official added, underscoring that any U.S. involvement must be grounded in practical realism and mutual respect.

The message was clear: the United States is prepared to invest political capital and effort, but only in partnership with those committed to realism and the pursuit of stability for their countries. "We reject the two untenable extremes of wishing for transcendent transformation, on the one hand, or relitigating ancient grievances, on the other."

"Endlessly expansive policy, without restraint and historical humility, becomes an enemy of strategy and constitutional statecraft. That is not our purpose, our function, or our mission," they said.

Recognizing the resilience of people and societies, the speaker emphasized that "they must choose to be resilient. And here I am talking not simply of leaders, but of peoples."

The remarks highlighted that durable and flexible settlement agreements require the consent and consensus of all parties on the ground and must reflect regional realities rather than being abstract impositions from afar. "When different nationalities and value systems exist side-by-side, peace depends not on a military victory, which simply sets the stage for a rematch, but on compromises that allow all sides to live together," the speaker noted.

"Peace and development are defined by the human beings who must live with the consequences, not by lawyers, academics, or think tanks," they said, reaffirming a commitment to pragmatic diplomacy.

"So I think we can say that the Dayton accords were a success without saying that the accords are perfect in theory or in practice. I’m here to express the Trump Administration’s willingness to listen and play a constructive role for all parties," the speaker concluded.

In closing, the United States extended "a hand of friendship and willingness to help" to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbors. "And to all of you, I appreciate your time and attention. Thank you," he concluded.