: Historically, the term also refers to a strategy used by larger powers to weaken a rival by encouraging its internal division. Historical & Contemporary Examples
: The term originated from the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century and was cemented by the violent breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. balkanize
: Division usually occurs along pre-existing cultural, linguistic, or ethnic boundaries where local groups seek self-determination. : Historically, the term also refers to a
: The primary feature is the breaking apart of a unified political entity into multiple independent units. balkanize
: "Splinternet" or the "balkanization of the internet" refers to the creation of different, isolated digital spaces due to national regulations and firewalls.
