balkanisation
Region breaking apart
Balkanisation is the fragmentation of a region, group, or system into smaller, often hostile units.
The term comes from the Balkan Peninsula, where the breakup of empires created a patchwork of rival states.
It now applies broadly: the balkanisation of the internet into national networks, balkanisation of the media landscape.
The word typically carries negative connotations of division and conflict.
Also spelled balkanization.
Barrier separating spaces
- divisionSplitting into parts
- breakupRomantic relationship's termination
- splinteringBreaking into sharp fragments
- disintegrationProcess of breaking apart
secession · dissolution · dismemberment · segmentation · fracturing · fission · severance · splitting
Systematic removal of populations
- civil warDomestic armed conflict
- sectarian violenceConflict between religious factions
- territorial disputeConflict over land boundaries
- border conflictFighting at territorial edges
genocide · massacre · atrocity · refugee crisis · displacement · siege · resistance · insurgency
Absence of accord
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- factionalismDivision into opposing cliques
- infightingRivalry within one organization
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
rift · estrangement · alienation · discord · dissension · power vacuum · instability · dysfunction
In-group loyalty, out-group hostility
- ethnocentrismBelief one's culture superior
- sectarianismPrejudiced loyalty to subgroups
- chauvinismMilitant devotion to group
- separatismAdvocacy for political breakaway
self-determination · sovereignty · autonomy · independence movement · identity politics · regionalism · nativism · patriotism
partition
Barrier separating spaces
- divisionSplitting into parts
- breakupRomantic relationship's termination
- splinteringBreaking into sharp fragments
disintegration · secession · dissolution · dismemberment · segmentation · fracturing · fission · severance · splitting · carve-up
ethnic cleansing
Systematic removal of populations
- civil warDomestic armed conflict
- sectarian violenceConflict between religious factions
- territorial disputeConflict over land boundaries
border conflict · genocide · massacre · atrocity · refugee crisis · displacement · siege · resistance · insurgency · intervention
disunity
Absence of accord
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- factionalismDivision into opposing cliques
- infightingRivalry within one organization
rivalry · rift · estrangement · alienation · discord · dissension · power vacuum · instability · dysfunction · gridlock
tribalism
In-group loyalty, out-group hostility
- ethnocentrismBelief one's culture superior
- sectarianismPrejudiced loyalty to subgroups
- chauvinismMilitant devotion to group
separatism · self-determination · sovereignty · autonomy · independence movement · identity politics · regionalism · nativism · patriotism · homeland
balkanisationunification
Merging into one entity
reunification · consolidation · union · federation · integration
balkanisationunity
Wholeness through cohesion
cohesion · solidarity · reconciliation · unification · harmonization
balkanisationintegration
Combining into a whole
unification · consolidation · centralization · synthesis · convergence
balk, Balkans, baulked, Balkan, balkanize, balkanized, baulking, balkanizes, balkanise