Meaning: The quote "It was a superb agreement to end a war, but a very bad agreement to make a state. From now on, we have to part company with Dayton and try to build a modern democratic state, for which I have tried to lay the foundations," by Paddy Ashdown, encapsulates the complex and challenging nature of post-conflict peace agreements and state-building efforts. This quote specifically references the Dayton Agreement, which was signed in 1995 to end the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Paddy Ashdown, a prominent politician and former High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, played a key role in the post-war reconstruction and state-building efforts in the region.

The Dayton Agreement, also known as the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was reached in November 1995 to put an end to the brutal conflict that had erupted in the Balkans following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The agreement was brokered during international negotiations in Dayton, Ohio, and it aimed to halt the fighting, establish a framework for peace, and create a political structure for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ashdown's assessment of the agreement as "a superb agreement to end a war" acknowledges its success in halting the violence and bringing an end to the armed conflict that had ravaged the region. The accord succeeded in its primary objective of stopping the bloodshed and providing a basis for a ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of combatants.

However, Ashdown's critique of the agreement as "a very bad agreement to make a state" reflects the inherent limitations and challenges of peace agreements in transitioning war-torn societies into stable and functional states. The Dayton Agreement was criticized for its focus on power-sharing arrangements among the three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs – which, while essential for ending the conflict, also entrenched ethnic divisions and hindered the development of a cohesive and inclusive national identity.

The reference to "part company with Dayton" alludes to the need to move beyond the constraints of the initial peace agreement and shift towards a more inclusive and forward-looking approach to state-building. Ashdown's emphasis on "try to build a modern democratic state" underscores the importance of establishing democratic institutions, promoting the rule of law, and fostering inclusive governance to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2002 to 2006, Ashdown was directly involved in the efforts to reform and rebuild the country's political and administrative structures. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and promote economic development, laying the foundations for a more modern and democratic state.

In conclusion, Paddy Ashdown's quote encapsulates the complex dynamics of post-conflict state-building and the challenges associated with transitioning from a peace agreement to the establishment of a functional and inclusive democratic state. While the Dayton Agreement was instrumental in ending the war, its limitations necessitated a shift towards a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach to nation-building in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As the country continues to grapple with the legacy of the conflict and the complexities of its political and ethnic divisions, Ashdown's words serve as a reminder of the ongoing imperative to strive for a modern, democratic, and inclusive state that can transcend the divisions of the past and pave the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future.