balkanized
Split into factions
Balkanized means broken into smaller, often hostile factions.
The term comes from the Balkan Peninsula, where the Ottoman Empire's fragmentation left a patchwork of competing states.
Now it applies broadly: a balkanized market, a balkanized internet, a balkanized political landscape.
The implication is that division breeds conflict and dysfunction.
Also spelled balkanised.
Divided into distinct sections
- fragmentedBroken into pieces
- splinteredBroken into sharp slivers
- subdividedSplit into smaller parts
- sectionedDivided into portions
separated · dissected · split · fractured · dismembered · cleaved · severed · sundered
Independent management of affairs
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- statehoodCondition of being sovereign
nationhood · separatism · secession · autonomy · federation · confederation · devolution · self-rule
Division into opposing cliques
- discordLack of agreement
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- strifeAngry, prolonged conflict
- infightingRivalry within one organization
tribalism · sectarianism · hostility · antagonism · feuding · warfare · instability · turmoil
Forced residential segregation
- apartheidRacial separation policy
- separationState of being apart
- isolationComplete separation from others
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
borders · checkpoints · displacement · refugees · diaspora · demarcation
Separation into opposing extremes
- schismFormal organizational fracture
- riftCrack or estrangement
- estrangementEmotional separation between people
- fractiousnessIrritable, unruly temperament
dissension · disintegration · incoherence · dysfunction · gridlock · paralysis · deadlock · impasse
partitioned
Divided into distinct sections
- fragmentedBroken into pieces
- splinteredBroken into sharp slivers
- subdividedSplit into smaller parts
sectioned · separated · dissected · split · fractured · dismembered · cleaved · severed · sundered · bisected
self-governance
Independent management of affairs
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
statehood · nationhood · separatism · secession · autonomy · federation · confederation · devolution · self-rule · enclaves
factionalism
Division into opposing cliques
infighting · tribalism · sectarianism · hostility · antagonism · feuding · warfare · instability · turmoil · unrest
ghettoization
Forced residential segregation
- apartheidRacial separation policy
- separationState of being apart
- isolationComplete separation from others
exclusion · borders · checkpoints · displacement · refugees · diaspora · demarcation
polarization
Separation into opposing extremes
- schismFormal organizational fracture
- riftCrack or estrangement
- estrangementEmotional separation between people
fractiousness · dissension · disintegration · incoherence · dysfunction · gridlock · paralysis · deadlock · impasse · breakdown
balkanizedunified
Combined into one
united · integrated · consolidated · federated · centralized
balkanizedintegrated
Combined into a whole
unified · cohesive · harmonized · synthesized · consolidated
balkanizedcooperative
Jointly operated enterprise
harmonious · allied · collaborative · collegial · peaceful
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