The philosopher Machiavelli wrote extensively on the subject of divide and conquer.
How can we differentiate between a “natural” division and an “artificial” division? He theorized it using five criteria:
Note: These situations can be applied to many aspects of contemporary society: competition between businesses, competition between groups, sports, politics, entertainment, and various conflicts. This can take many forms.
Criteria 1: Divide people by gaining their trust. This process of manipulating the masses must be done in a “painless” manner. For people to be able to participate actively and freely, everyone’s trust must first be built.
Criteria 2: The divider must never be revealed as the source of division between the two parties, otherwise they might unite against it. The apex of the triangle must be hidden, leaving only the two lower sides visible.
Criteria 3: Control and assist both parties in order to balance their forces. If the balance of power is unbalanced, the division is unstable. For a truly stable and lasting division, there must be a balance of opposing forces.
Criteria 4: The problems created must be insoluble, the only outcome being the disappearance of one of the two parties. Otherwise, it would be too easy! The division would be thwarted in no time.
Criteria 5: Be seen as the solution to the division. The one who secretly created the separation becomes the one who grandly brings reconciliation. This is the famous problem/reaction/solution. The circle is complete: the divider becomes the savior!
These triangular situations can sometimes be subtle and unexpected. It is up to us to develop discernment in order to perceive them. And to no longer fall into the trap of duality, but to free ourselves from it by transcending it.