‘Divide and conquer’ – The rule applies even in today’s economic crisis

Video published by the British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce

The arithmetic operation of Division - the action of separating something into parts -applies in numerous areas of our life. In politics and sociology, ‘divide and rule’, also known as ‘divide and conquer’, is a combination of various strategies aiming at gaining and maintaining control by breaking up existing structures and preventing alliances of small power groups. The term is derived from the Latin ‘divide et impera’ and the strategy itself has been used, historically, in many different ways.  

This mathematical rule is a psychological operation which divides through distracting public opinion. It can be applied in cultural, social, ethical, economical and political scenarios and can become a vicious cycle with the power to form and manipulate people’s attitudes. It highlights or even creates differences amongst groups, people or nations and progressively shifts focus on issues of secondary importance, rather than the fundamental issues which are truly significant for our lives.

Politics, religion, race, wealth, sexuality, social class, ethnicity and so many more controversial issues which separate people are sometimes amplified to an extent of creating fear. Cultivating animosity, isolation, even war, in the name of the differences which separate us and the fear created by them – the fear for each other.

From late 2009, fears of a debt crisis concerning some European states developed. In early 2011, the crisis resurfaced, concerning mostly Greek national debt, with Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy also been at risk. The Greek debt crisis made the headlines and shifted the focus from a general European and perhaps international perspective to a local national phenomenon.

A series of explanations were debated upon and a negative impression of the states at risk and their people, inevitably redirected discussions to the anger and controversy required for the ‘divide and rule’ strategy, easily isolating them, until the next one comes along. Focus was shifted from the influence of the banking sector, interest rates, markets, management, business deals and interests which can affect the economics of a country, to a series of scenarios – most far from reality – which can create confusion.

Let us also not forget that, a serious crisis can not go to waste, as it offers immense opportunities for reforms that the general public would normally reject. At the same time emergencies offer the grounds for quick decision making, based on fear. Lastly, a spice of scenarios leading to myths and criticism, completes the recipe for a catastrophe!