Balkanization
/ˌbɔɫkənɪˈzeɪʃən/
fragmentation into smaller hostile units
Balkanization in a sentence
“Critics warned of Balkanization of the region.”
Origin of Balkanization
From the Balkans, fragmented after Ottoman decline
Related Words
Finlandization
forced neutrality under a powerful neighbor's influence
soft power
influence through culture and values rather than coercion
balance of power
distribution of power preventing any one state's dominance
sphere of influence
a region where one power has dominant authority
buffer state
a neutral country between rival powers
proxy war
a conflict where major powers support opposing sides