Balkanize

especially British, Bal·kan·ise

[bawl-kuh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

Balkanized, Balkanizing 

1. to divide (a country, territory, etc.) into small, quarrelsome, ineffectual states.

2. (often lowercase),  to divide (groups, areas, etc.) into contending and usually ineffectual factions.

   a movement to balkanize minority voters.

Balkanize

/ ˈbɔːlkəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to divide (a territory) into small warring states

2. to divide (a group or organization) into small factions

Other Word Forms

• Balkanization noun
• Balkanism noun
• Balkanized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Balkanize¹

First recorded in 1915–20; Balkan + -ize

Example Sentences

Federal officials have warned that an extended shutdown is further straining America’s already Balkanized, understaffed air travel infrastructure—from agents who screen passengers to air-traffic controllers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since TV now is such a Balkanized affair.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We will either Balkanize or fall into abject fascism.

Read more on Salon

In September, the SFJ launched a "death to India - Balkanize" campaign to "shut down Indian missions" globally after a diplomatic row between Canada and India over the separatist killing.

Read more on Reuters

In September, SFJ launched a "death to India - Balkanize" campaign to "shut down Indian missions" globally after Canada said that it was investigating allegations linking Indian agents to the Sikh separatist's killing.

Read more on Reuters