The Republic of Croatia is a transitional as well as a post-conflict country, building its international and security strategy on the principals of cooperative security and partnership in international relations. After the September 11, 2001, Croatia has accepted the goals of antiterrorist coalition and the global anti-terrorism engagement. Considering its geographical position in the region that is still not entirely stable, and the estimates of the terrorism threat, Croatia has developed its own strategy to combat terrorism.  The main characteristics of the global efforts, as well as the NATO and EU models are comprised in the Croatian strategy, which was used as an important pointer in the formation of the counter-terrorism system. Such efforts stipulated modifications in the security sector and its adaptation to the new requirements. The set goals were not entirely met in the planned time frame, meaning that the strengthening of the system in Croatia is ongoing. In the paper, the focus will be towards the strategy analysis, mapping of the key institutions and their obligations, and the definitions of the  reasons of the slower realization of the set strategic goals in the fight against terrorism.  

Keywords: Croatian counter-terrorism strategy, Croatian security sector reform, stakeholder security.

Author: Anita Perešin*

*The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the institution in which she is employed.