Balkanisation is a term used to describe the fragmentation or division of a region or country into smaller, often conflicting, political units. There are several other words that can be used as synonyms for balkanisation, including disintegration, fracturing, fragmentation, partitioning, and secession. These terms all describe a process where a larger entity is divided into smaller, often competing pieces that may struggle to find common ground or cooperate. In international relations, balkanisation is often used to describe the political instability and conflict that can result from fragmentation, particularly in areas with a history of ethnic and cultural tensions.