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The phrase comes from the Latin ''divide et impera'', which translates to "divide and rule".

Effective use of this technique allows those with little real power to control those who collectively have a lot of power (or would have much power, if they could get united).

Typical elements of this technique involve
  • creating or at least not preventing petty feuds among smaller players. Such feuds drain resources and prevent alliances that could challenge the overlords.

  • aiding and promoting those who are willing to cooperate with the overlords, often by giving them the lands and wealth of rebellious local rulers.

  • fostering distrust and enmity between local rulers.

  • encouraging expenditures on personal frivolities (e.g., showy palaces) that leave little money for political manoeuvering and warfare.


This technique requires a lot of skill and political finesse, as well as a good understanding of political science, history and psychology.

"Divide and rule" works only if the subjects of this technique are willing to go along with it (e.g., because it is to their personal advantage), or behave foolishly. It works best in societies where competition between noble families, clans or social classes was already fierce before the overlord took over.

The strategy was used to great effect by administrators of vast empires, including the British , who would play one tribe against another to maintain control of their colonies with a minimal number of British forces. The concept of 'Divide and Rule' gained prominence when India was a part of the British Empire. The British used this strategy effectively to gain control of a large territory like India by keeping its people divided along lines of religion, language, caste etc. The British supported or rather took control of petty princely states in India rather than ever uniting India into a single nation.


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