Balkanization

== English == === Alternative forms === balkanization Balkanisation (mainly UK) === Etymology === From Balkan +‎ -ization. The term is a reference to the conflicts that the Balkan peninsula experienced in the 20th century. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌbɔːl.kən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (US) IPA(key): /ˌbɑl.kən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ === Noun === Balkanization (countable and uncountable, plural Balkanizations) (historical, chiefly political science) The fragmentation of a geopolitical region into several small states that are often hostile or non-cooperative with each other. (by extension, informal) Any disintegration or fragmentation process. Synonym: fragmentation ==== Derived terms ==== cyber-Balkanization ==== Related terms ==== Balkanize ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === Balkanization on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Balkan Wars on Wikipedia.Wikipedia