— Balkanization , n. — Balkanism , n.
/bawl"keuh nuyz'/ , v.t., Balkanized, Balkanizing .
1. to divide (a country, territory, etc.) into small, quarrelsome, ineffectual states.
2. ( often l.c. ) to divide (groups, areas, etc.) into contending and usually ineffectual factions: a movement to balkanize minority voters.
Also, esp. Brit., Balkanise .
[ 1915-20; BALKAN + -IZE ]