1. the division of a region or organization into smaller, often hostile units
Usage: political science; often capitalized when referring to the Balkans

Examples

• The balkanization of the former Yugoslavia led to years of conflict.
• Political analysts warned about the balkanization of the party into competing factions.
• The company’s balkanization into separate divisions reduced efficiency.
• Ethnic tensions contributed to the balkanization of the region.
• Critics argued that the new policy would cause balkanization of the education system.
• The balkanization of the internet into national networks concerns many experts.