Sam Harris

in End of Faith, page 67 :
“It is time we recognized just how maladaptive this Balkanization of our discourse has become”
I do not understand the meaning of “Balkanization” in this context.
How do you rewrite this sentence uisng another word instead ?
Thank you

Fragmentation - often into hostile factions.

Reading up on the breakup of the Ottoman Empire and the ensuing confusion and violence should help you more fully grasp the reference.