>[!abstract] >Balkanization is the process involving the fragmentation of an area, country, or region into multiple smaller and hostile units. It is usually caused by differences in ethnicity, culture, religion, and geopolitical interests. The term is pejorative; when sponsored or encouraged by a sovereign third party, it has been used as an accusation against such third-party nations. Controversially, the term is often used by opponents of secessionism to highlight potential dangers. The Balkan peninsula is seen as an example of [[Shatter belt|shatter belt]] in geopolitics. (Wikipedia, 2025). >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Shatter belt]] >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —