Balkanization is a pejorative term for fragmentation of a larger region or state into smaller regions or states, which may be hostile or uncooperative with one another. The root causes of Balkanization are usually differences of ethnicity, culture, and religion and some other factors such as past grievances. When sponsored or encouraged by a sovereign third party, the term has been used as an accusation against such third party nations. Controversially, the term is often used by voices for the status quo to underscore the dangers of acrimonious or runaway secessionism.