divide and conquer
Split then dominate
Divide and conquer is a strategy of breaking a problem or opponent into smaller, more manageable parts.
In computing, it describes algorithms that split problems recursively until they become trivial to solve.
In politics and warfare, it means fragmenting opposition to prevent unified resistance: The empire's divide and conquer tactics kept the provinces from allying against it.
Breaking into smaller pieces
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- gerrymanderingManipulating electoral boundaries strategically
- segregationForced separation by group
- factionalismDivision into opposing cliques
balkanization · partition · colonialism · tribalism · sectarianism · separatism · wedge issues · power consolidation
Process invoking itself
- subproblemsSmaller parts of bigger challenges
- mergesortRecursive divide-and-conquer sorting algorithm
- quicksortRecursive partitioning sort method
- binary searchLogarithmic lookup in sorted data
partition · combine · parallel processing · base case · logarithmic
Breakdown into simpler parts
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- segmentationDivision into sections
- subproblemsSmaller parts of bigger challenges
- simplificationMaking something less complex
partitioning · analysis · categorization · troubleshooting · systematic · step-by-step · prioritization · dissection
Selfish use of others
- disinformationIntentional deceptive falsehoods
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
destabilize · disunite · undermine · sow discord · pit against · false dichotomy · subterfuge · maneuvering
Methods to achieve goals
- flankingAt the sides of
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
- pincer movementTwo-pronged tactical encirclement
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
siege · guerrilla warfare · blitzkrieg · skirmish · reconnaissance · fortification · battleground · salient
fragmentation
Breaking into smaller pieces
- polarizationSeparation into opposing extremes
- gerrymanderingManipulating electoral boundaries strategically
- segregationForced separation by group
factionalism · balkanization · partition · colonialism · tribalism · sectarianism · separatism · wedge issues · power consolidation · subjugation
recursion
Process invoking itself
- subproblemsSmaller parts of bigger challenges
- mergesortRecursive divide-and-conquer sorting algorithm
- quicksortRecursive partitioning sort method
binary search · partition · combine · parallel processing · base case · logarithmic
decomposition
Breakdown into simpler parts
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- segmentationDivision into sections
- subproblemsSmaller parts of bigger challenges
simplification · partitioning · analysis · categorization · troubleshooting · systematic · step-by-step · prioritization · dissection
exploitation
Selfish use of others
- disinformationIntentional deceptive falsehoods
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- schemingCrafty and calculating
machination · destabilize · disunite · undermine · sow discord · pit against · false dichotomy · subterfuge · maneuvering
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- flankingAt the sides of
- encirclementSurrounding enemy forces completely
- pincer movementTwo-pronged tactical encirclement
ambush · siege · guerrilla warfare · blitzkrieg · skirmish · reconnaissance · fortification · battleground · salient · trench warfare
- problem-solvingproblem solving, puzzles, riddles, logic, solutions
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- strategiesambush, flanking, feint, diversion, counterattack
- tacticsmaneuver, counter-attack, gambit, ambush, counterstrike
- manipulationgaslighting, guilt tripping, blame-shifting, brainwashing, guilt trip
- military tacticstactics, flanking, maneuver, ambush, battle formations
divide and conquercoalition-building
Forming multi-party alliances
strength in numbers · collective action · solidarity · collaboration · integration
divide and conquerbridge-building
Establishing connections between estranged parties
consensus-building · community organizing · mutual aid · cooperation · reconciliation
divide, division, conquer, divided, dividing, undivided, divider, divides, divisive