Balkanization

Definition

The fragmentation of a geopolitical region into several small states that are often hostile or non-cooperative with each other.

Etymology

From Balkan + -ization. The term is a reference to the conflicts that the Balkan peninsula experienced in the 20th century.

Example Sentences

• "demographic balkanization"
• "Issues that are already hotly contested become even more divisive in the context of social balkanization."
• "In other words, will the biometric future feature biometric centralization whereby one biometric would dominate multiple applications, or will we see biometric balkanization where multiple biometrics are used for multiple applications?"