A Senior UX Designer Jone Lee
based in New York, USA

The Divide and Rule “Rule”

The strategy of “divide and conquer” has been used for centuries as a powerful tool to control and manipulate societies. This tactic involves creating divisions among people to prevent them from uniting against a common adversary. By fostering discord and fragmentation, those in power can maintain control more easily.

Historically, rulers and leaders have employed this method to maintain their dominance. For instance, Roman emperors used “divide et impera” (divide and rule) to manage their vast empire, ensuring that different groups within the empire did not unite against them. By keeping these groups at odds, the rulers could quell potential rebellions and maintain their authority.

Colonial powers also used this strategy effectively. During the era of colonization, European powers often exacerbated ethnic, religious, or social divisions within colonized regions. By promoting rivalries and conflicts among local groups, they prevented unified resistance movements. This made it easier for relatively small numbers of colonizers to control large populations.

In modern times, the divide and conquer strategy can be seen in various forms. Political leaders might exploit societal divisions—such as race, religion, or economic status—to gain or maintain power. By polarizing public opinion and encouraging infighting, they distract from larger systemic issues and weaken collective action that could challenge their position.

This strategy is not limited to politics. In workplaces or organizations, leaders might pit departments or teams against each other to prevent solidarity among employees, thus ensuring that management remains unchallenged.

Understanding the divide and conquer tactic is crucial for those who wish to resist it. Building awareness and promoting unity across different social groups can counteract this strategy, fostering a more cohesive and empowered society. By focusing on common goals and shared values, people can overcome divisive tactics and work together for the greater good.

Young People Need Motivation to Have Hope

I had the honour of speaking to a group of students who are on the brink of writing their Final Malawi Secondary School Examinations. It was an inspiring ceremony, and I was privileged to share a few words of motivation with them.

I finally urged them to believe in their potential and seize the opportunities before them. With hard work, focus, and active engagement, they can achieve great things and become the influential leaders our world needs.

Young people need motivation, guidance and continuous engagement in different talks, if we are to make a difference in their lives and careers. This is what I like doing when I am called to speak and motivate; our stories can make a difference not to everyone but to someone!

Cohort 1: Teacher Leadership & Community Impact Fellowship 2025

Are you a Primary or Secondary School Teacher passionate about making a difference beyond the classroom? Do you aspire to be a teacher of influence, a leader in your community, and a catalyst for change?

Join our Teacher Leadership & Community Impact Fellowship, a transformative 4-week online program designed to equip teachers with leadership skills, innovative teaching methods, large classroom management strategies, and expertise in running community initiatives and projects.

???? When? August 2025 (4 Weeks, Fully Online)

To apply, click this link:https://executiveedgecoachingmw.org/2025/04/04/teacher-leadership-community-impact-fellowship-august-2025-cohort-1/