Balkanization
Division into factions
Balkanization is the fragmentation of a region, organization, or system into smaller, often hostile units.
The term comes from the Balkan Peninsula, where the Ottoman Empire's dissolution left a patchwork of competing states.
It now applies broadly: the Balkanization of the internet, Balkanization of the American media landscape.
The implication is usually negative—division that breeds conflict or dysfunction.
Barrier separating spaces
- splinteringBreaking into sharp fragments
- disintegrationProcess of breaking apart
- breakupRomantic relationship's termination
- dismembermentRemoval of limbs
atomization · fracturing · schism · secession · dissolution · subdivision · separatism · devolution
Devotion to one's country
- ethnocentrismBelief one's culture superior
- ethnicityShared cultural heritage group
- tribalismIn-group loyalty, out-group hostility
- sectarianismPrejudiced loyalty to subgroups
separatism · regionalism · parochialism · chauvinism · minority · majority · diaspora · homeland
Surrounded distinct territory
- ghettoSegregated urban quarter
- partitionBarrier separating spaces
- displacementRemoval from usual location
- resettlementReestablishing in new place
refugee · corridor · demarcation · boundary · checkpoint · wall · fence · no-mans-land
Supreme independent authority
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- independenceFreedom from external control
- statehoodCondition of being sovereign
borders · territory · nation-state · recognition · protectorate · annexation · treaty · mandate
Angry, prolonged conflict
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
- clashesViolent encounters or disagreements
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- tensionsStates of strained relations
warfare · feuding · rivalry · antagonism · confrontation · discord · insurgency · genocide
Complete disorder and confusion
- unrestState of public disturbance
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- volatilityRapid, unpredictable changeability
- disorderAbsence of organization
upheaval · anarchy · insecurity · uncertainty · lawlessness · crisis · dysfunction · ungovernable
partition
Barrier separating spaces
- splinteringBreaking into sharp fragments
- disintegrationProcess of breaking apart
- breakupRomantic relationship's termination
dismemberment · atomization · fracturing · schism · secession · dissolution · subdivision · separatism · devolution · parceling
nationalism
Devotion to one's country
- ethnocentrismBelief one's culture superior
- ethnicityShared cultural heritage group
- tribalismIn-group loyalty, out-group hostility
sectarianism · separatism · regionalism · parochialism · chauvinism · minority · majority · diaspora · homeland · kinship
enclave
Surrounded distinct territory
- ghettoSegregated urban quarter
- partitionBarrier separating spaces
- displacementRemoval from usual location
resettlement · refugee · corridor · demarcation · boundary · checkpoint · wall · fence · no-mans-land · gerrymandering
sovereignty
Supreme independent authority
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- independenceFreedom from external control
statehood · borders · territory · nation-state · recognition · protectorate · annexation · treaty · mandate · occupation
strife
Angry, prolonged conflict
- hostilitiesActive armed fighting
- clashesViolent encounters or disagreements
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
tensions · warfare · feuding · rivalry · antagonism · confrontation · discord · insurgency · genocide · tribalism
chaos
Complete disorder and confusion
- unrestState of public disturbance
- turmoilViolent disturbance or confusion
- volatilityRapid, unpredictable changeability
disorder · upheaval · anarchy · insecurity · uncertainty · lawlessness · crisis · dysfunction · ungovernable · precariousness
- BalkansAlbania, Bosnia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Kosovo
- YugoslaviaYugoslavia, Tito, Belgrade, Serbia, Croatia
- geopoliticsbalance of power, bipolarity, bloc, blocs, brinkmanship
- Alternate Historyalternate history, alternate timeline, alternate timelines, alternate reality, alternate world
- European PoliticsEU, European Parliament, European Union, EU Commission, eurozone
Balkanizationunification
Merging into one entity
reunification · consolidation · integration · union · political union
Balkanizationunity
Wholeness through cohesion
solidarity · cohesion · integration · harmonization · assimilation
Balkanizationintegration
Combining into a whole
centralization · consolidation · unification · standardization · interoperability