Divide and Conquer

War never changes...

Divide and Conquer: The Timeless Political Weapon That Still Works

In the world of politics, few strategies have withstood the test of time as effectively as Divide and Conquer. From ancient empires to modern-day democracies, this tool has been used to control, manipulate, and maintain power. Despite the rise of technology and access to information, the basic premise remains just as effective as ever: keep the masses fighting each other so they don’t fight you. In Thailand, this playbook is alive and well, as politicians and their operatives continue to divide the public through the spread of rumors, misinformation, and propaganda, only to unite once the dust settles, leaving the people feeling like pawns in a circus.

What Is Divide and Conquer?

At its core, Divide and Conquer is a strategy that seeks to create division among the people so that they can be more easily controlled. It’s a classic way to prevent unity and solidarity among groups that, if they stood together, might pose a threat to those in power. When you pit one group against another, you deflect attention away from the real issues, allowing the rulers to maintain their grip on power while the divided factions exhaust their energy fighting each other.

How It Plays Out in Thai Politics

Thailand has been no stranger to political divisions, and in recent years, Divide and Conquer has been used with remarkable efficiency. The Thai political landscape, often split between the urban elite and the rural working class, between conservatives and progressives, or between Red Shirts and Yellow Shirts, has been fertile ground for manipulation. Here’s how the game works in Thailand:

1. The Rumor Mill and Propaganda Machine: Politicians and their supporters flood social media, news outlets, and even the streets with rumors and misinformation designed to whip up hatred and suspicion. Whether it’s about a supposed foreign-funded conspiracy or the moral corruption of the opposing side, the goal is simple: turn citizens against each other. This strategy is particularly effective when combined with nationalism, religious fervor, or fear of outsiders—all emotional levers that make people act irrationally.
2. The Two-Sided Fight: Once the seeds of division are planted, people naturally fall into two camps, fighting tooth and nail for what they believe is right. In Thailand’s case, this often manifests as street protests, aggressive debates on social media, and even family rifts. Each side believes they are the true patriots, while the others are traitors or enemies of the nation.
3. Behind Closed Doors: While the public is busy tearing each other apart, politicians and power brokers work behind the scenes to strike deals and solidify their positions. Once their goals are achieved—whether that’s passing a law, winning an election, or maintaining the status quo—the same people who divided the nation can be seen shaking hands and making backroom deals, leaving their followers bewildered.
4. Unifying the Elite, Dividing the People: After the dust settles, the politicians who were once at each other's throats miraculously find common ground, often joining forces to ensure their mutual survival. The people, who were divided and conquered, are left feeling used, their passionate battles suddenly rendered meaningless. The two opposing factions of the elite who fanned the flames of division now act like partners in governance, leaving the public to question whether their previous disagreements were ever real.

The Thai Divide: A Case Study in Political Clownery

A perfect example of this Divide and Conquer strategy in Thailand is the cycle of protests, crackdowns, and alliances that have defined the country’s political scene over the past two decades. One particularly telling example is the clash between the Red Shirts (supporters of the populist policies of Thaksin Shinawatra) and the Yellow Shirts (royalist and conservative factions). For years, these two groups were locked in an intense battle, both in the streets and in the media.

Politicians and their mouthpieces used this divide to their advantage, stoking fear, anger, and hatred on both sides. Each side was convinced that the other was a threat to the future of the nation. But then, after coups, crackdowns, and shifts in power, something funny happened. Politicians from both sides started making alliances, cutting deals, and forming new parties together. The bitter enemies of yesterday became political allies, and the people who fought in their name were left wondering what it was all for. What happened to the rhetoric? What happened to the deep divisions that were supposedly tearing the country apart?

The people had been played, manipulated by a system that thrives on division. Once the political objectives were achieved, unity among the elites returned, and the public’s grievances were ignored. It became clear that the political divisions weren’t based on fundamental, ideological differences but were instead part of a well-rehearsed performance, orchestrated to distract and divide the masses while the real power brokers continued their work behind the scenes.

Why Divide and Conquer Still Works

Despite the access to information and the rise of social media, Divide and Conquer remains one of the most effective political strategies for several reasons:

1. Emotional Manipulation: People are emotional beings, and Divide and Conquer thrives on this fact. By stoking feelings of fear, anger, and nationalism, politicians can easily rally people to their cause without having to rely on facts or logic. Emotional arguments are far more powerful than reasoned debates when it comes to swaying the masses.
2. Information Overload: In today’s world of information overload, it’s easier than ever to confuse and mislead people. With so much news, misinformation, and propaganda swirling around, it’s hard for the average person to know what’s true and what’s not. This creates a fertile environment for Divide and Conquer strategies to flourish, as people are more likely to latch onto simple, emotional narratives than complex truths.
3. Human Tribalism: Humans are naturally tribal. We like to feel part of a group, especially one that makes us feel righteous or morally superior. Politicians use this instinct to pit people against each other, creating artificial tribes based on politics, religion, or nationality. Once people feel like they belong to one side, they are more likely to demonize the other, even if the real enemies are the ones pulling the strings from above.
4. Distraction: Divide and Conquer works because it distracts people from the real issues. While citizens are busy fighting over identity politics, culture wars, or ideological battles, politicians can continue making decisions that benefit themselves or their corporate backers without facing real scrutiny. It’s a classic magician’s trick: distract the audience with one hand while the other hand pulls the strings.

The Circus Continues

Thailand’s political landscape provides a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks Divide and Conquer is a relic of the past. As long as people are willing to fight over emotional, surface-level issues, politicians will continue to use this strategy to maintain power. The people are left chasing shadows, while those in power shake hands and laugh behind closed doors.

In the end, Divide and Conquer is effective because it plays on our human weaknesses—our tribalism, our emotions, and our need for simple, digestible narratives. It’s a timeless strategy that thrives in times of uncertainty and division, and until the public learns to see through the manipulation, the political circus will continue, with the people as the audience and the politicians as the clowns pulling the strings.

So next time you see two sides bitterly fighting in the streets or on social media, ask yourself: Who benefits from this division? Chances are, it’s not the people.