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Rod Blagojevich Takes on New Lobbying Role for Republic of Srpska
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, recently pardoned by President Donald Trump, is embarking on a new venture as a lobbyist for the Republic of Srpska, a self-governing Serb-majority region in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His new role was highlighted in a report by Politico, indicating that Blagojevich’s firm, RRB Strategies LLC, will be instrumental in handling communications and public affairs for the region, which has been plagued by ethnic discord.
According to a registration statement filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Blagojevich’s work will encompass representing the interests of Milorad Dodik, often referred to as the “Bosnian Bear,” who has deep connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Political Turmoil in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Blagojevich recently made headlines when he announced via social media that Interpol had rejected a request from the unelected Bosnian High Representative to apprehend Dodik, the duly elected president of the Republic of Srpska. This incident occurred during Dodik’s visit to Israel, where he scheduled talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and participated in a conference addressing antisemitism.
The former governor expressed concerns about what he perceives as a broader trend of leftist judicial and political actors attempting to discredit or imprison populist leaders, citing instances involving Trump, Marine Le Pen, and Dodik himself. Dodik, a proponent of the Republic of Srpska’s potential separation from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has consistently advocated for closer ties to Serbia.
Recent Developments for Milorad Dodik
Dodik has been facing significant legal challenges, having been sentenced to a year in prison earlier this year for actions that disregarded the rulings of the country’s Constitutional Court. Following the sentence, he reportedly fled to Moscow.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed concern regarding Dodik’s actions, warning that he is undermining the foundational institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and jeopardizing its security and stability. Rubio called for political leaders in the region to engage in constructive dialogue to mitigate the turbulent situation.
There are speculations that Trump considered appointing Blagojevich as the U.S. ambassador to Serbia before ultimately selecting Mark Brnovich for the position, reflecting the complicated geopolitics of the Western Balkans and the ongoing implications of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
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