Throughout human history, one of the most effective methods of controlling people has been the strategy of “divide and conquer.” This approach continues to shape social and political life today, not only in the depths of history but also in modern democracies. Dividing people to maintain control has been a timeless tool of power, used to strengthen authority by fostering divisions within society. However, in today’s world, this strategy operates in more sophisticated ways through state actions, media influence, social media dynamics, and identity politics.
Unfortunately, this article is being written at a time when humanity is hurtling toward a great collapse. As societies become exhausted by internal conflicts, leaders further polarize populations to consolidate their power, and technology accelerates division, this writing might serve as one of the last warnings.
Settling for the Lesser Evil: The Greatest Dilemma of Modern Democracies
In modern democracies, one manifestation of the “divide and conquer” strategy is the presentation of “lesser evil” candidates to the public. In many countries today, people are forced to vote not for leaders they wholeheartedly support but for those they perceive as “less bad” than the alternative. This reality transforms democracy from a mechanism reflecting the will of the people into a system of “forced choices.”
This dilemma further fuels division within society. Representative democracies struggle to produce leaders who can meet the needs and desires of broad swaths of the population. Especially in two-party systems like that of the United States, voters are often trapped between only two options. The internal dynamics of political parties tend to favor candidates who serve the interests of elite factions rather than the general public. As a result, out-of-touch career politicians frequently take center stage.
This process deepens societal division. Leaders who cannot unify their base often resort to polarizing rhetoric. When people cast their votes reluctantly, they lose faith in the system’s effectiveness, leading to collective disillusionment. The perception of “the other side being worse” drives individuals to cling blindly to their own factions while demonizing the opposition.
Ultimately, the lack of transparency, scandals, and the disconnection of politicians from public demands become some of the greatest challenges facing modern democracies. The inability of Irish voters to find a suitable leader during elections and the polarization surrounding figures like Trump and Biden in the U.S. are concrete examples of this phenomenon.
How Close Are We to Collapse? Are We at a Tipping Point?
Civilizations have repeatedly found themselves teetering on the edge of a cliff throughout history—and sometimes, they have fallen. Today, we are at a critical juncture. Identity-driven politics, the divisive impact of technology, and the polarizing rhetoric of leaders suggest that societies are nearing a breaking point.
History shows that such periods are often followed by either major collapses or radical transformations. The fall of the Roman Empire, the chaos following the French Revolution, or the ideological rifts of the Cold War all demonstrate how humanity has struggled to balance on the edge of the abyss. Today, however, we face an era where social conflicts are amplified and accelerated by the digital world.
If division continues at its current pace, the structural disintegration of societies and states will become inevitable. But this article aims to remind us that such a collapse is not destiny, and humanity still stands at a crossroads.
Modern Manifestations of Division
The “divide and conquer” strategy continues to infiltrate our lives through various modern tools. Identity politics, media manipulation, and social media algorithms have made this strategy more complex and effective. People are no longer divided solely along ethnic or religious lines but also by gender, ideology, and lifestyle.
Identity politics plays a significant role in deepening these divisions. Movements like “woke culture,” which aim to address social justice issues, often hinder dialogue through hypersensitivity and cancel culture. These restrictions on free expression push both sides into defensive positions. One side feels it is fighting for its rights, while the other feels its freedoms are being curtailed. In this climate of conflict, common values are forgotten, and polarization intensifies.
Immigration issues also exemplify this division. In the West, some immigrant groups demanding systems like Sharia law clash with local populations that value freedom and secularism. This creates friction that is often manipulated by media and politicians to further exacerbate divisions, splitting societies into “us” and “them.”
A Lesson from History: Division and Control in Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany serves as one of the most chilling examples of the “divide and conquer” strategy. Adolf Hitler unified the German people against a common enemy—the Jews—while simultaneously fostering internal divisions. Through propaganda, the Nazi regime manipulated emotions, ensuring the population remained focused on the perceived threats posed by minorities rather than addressing their own societal challenges.
Fear also played a key role in this strategy. Institutions like the SS and Gestapo enforced a climate of terror, silencing dissent and compelling compliance. While some citizens actively supported the regime, many others remained silent out of fear.
When the war ended, many Nazi supporters retreated into silence, denying or minimizing their complicity. Claims like “We didn’t know” or “Everyone was doing it” allowed individuals to evade responsibility for their roles in the regime. This silence illustrates how easily individuals can deny their societal responsibilities and attempt to escape the shadows of history.
Is There Still Time for Unity?
In a world so deeply divided, is there still hope for resolution? The answer is yes, but it requires collective effort, patience, and a shared commitment to rediscovering common values.
Education is the most vital tool in this process. Teaching people to think critically, understand media manipulation, and engage in constructive dialogue can reduce polarization. Additionally, leaders must move away from divisive rhetoric and focus on addressing the needs of all citizens to rebuild trust in the system.
Conclusion: Unity Is Humanity’s Only Option
The “divide and conquer” strategy has been one of the most effective yet destructive tools in human history. While it consolidates power for those in control, it ultimately weakens societies in the long run. From Nazi Germany to modern democracies, the consequences of this strategy are evident.
Humanity must break free from this vicious cycle of division. By remembering shared values, fostering dialogue, and embracing critical thinking, we can build a future where unity triumphs over division. Because division only breeds hostility, while unity builds the future.
Victoria Toumit