The strategy of “Divide and Conquer” has been used for centuries. It involves isolating a person or group of people in order to gain control over them. This technique can be used against many different types of victims, including individuals, families, and entire communities.
By dividing the victim into smaller parts, it is easier for the perpetrator to manipulate their actions and gain power.
In today’s world, this strategy is still being employed in all areas of our lives, including politics, business, relationships, and education.
Why narcissists use this strategy
Narcissists often use the tactic of “Divide and Conquer” to manipulate and control those around them. By isolating their victims, they can easily dominate and have complete control over them.
The strategy can be used within families, between friends, and even at work. By creating an environment of competition and mistrust, narcissists weaken their victims and isolate them from support. This can make it difficult to know who to trust or confide in, enabling the narcissist to control and manipulate them more easily.
How narcissists divide and conquer victims
One way narcissists use the divide and conquer strategy is by splitting people into groups and playing them off against each other. They often pit family members against each other, creating an environment of distrust and hostility. This manifests as ambient abuse, which is difficult to notice, but very damaging in its toxicity.
Narcissists also often use the divide and conquer tactic at work by pitting co-workers against each other. They will target the people they consider to be their competition, isolating them to make them feel like they are not valued or appreciated, or that they are being ignored or left out. As a result, their targets might transfer to another department, or even leave the company.
Sometimes narcissists will also use this evil technique to split up their friend group. By creating drama and gossip, they can cause friends to take sides and turn against each other. This can leave the narcissist’s target feeling isolated, alone, and without any support.
How to counter a narcissist’s divide and conquer efforts
Be Assertive: One of the most important tools to resisting a narcissist’s Divide and Conquer tactics is to be assertive and not let them manipulate or control you. Stand your ground and make sure that the narcissist knows that their behavior is unacceptable.
Recognize Manipulation Tactics: Being aware of the manipulation tactics used by a narcissist will help you recognize them when they occur and stop them before they can take effect. It is important to remember that if a narcissist sees that they can’t control you, they will move onto someone else they think they can manipulate.
Keep Connected With Others: Narcissists may try to isolate you from other people in order to gain more power over you. It is important to keep connected with friends, family and colleagues so that the narcissist can’t separate you from those who are most important in your life.
Seek Support: Seeking support from mental health professionals or trusted friends can be helpful in dealing with narcissistic abuse and resistance techniques. They can provide an objective perspective on the situation and help you stay strong against manipulative tactics such as Divide and Conquer.
Establish Boundaries: Setting boundaries for yourself around what topics are acceptable for discussion, how often contact should be made, and what behaviors are acceptable will allow you to protect yourself against further manipulation attempts by the narcissist.
Final Thoughts on Divide and Conquer
No one should ever have to put up with the manipulative tactics of a narcissist. It is important to be aware of the techniques that narcissists use, and take steps to protect yourself against them.
By being assertive and establishing boundaries, as well as seeking support from friends, family or mental health professionals, you can effectively resist the Divide and Conquer tactics employed by narcissists.
Taking these steps will help keep you safe and maintain your own sense of empowerment.
Posts About Narcissistic Abuse Tactics
Abuse by Proxy – How to Identify and Deal with this form of Psychological Abuse
How to Detect and Escape Ambient Abuse – A Survivor’s Guide
Blaming the Victim – The Narcissist’s Insidious Strategy to Avoid Responsibility
Divide and Conquer – A Strategic Way of Isolating Victims
Enmeshment in Narcissistic Families – Trapped in the Narcissist’s Toxic Web
The Fauxpology – a devious weapon of the Narcissist
Flying Monkeys – the narcissist’s army of goons
Future Faking – Narcissists make hollow promises about the future
Narcissistic Grooming – How Narcissists Brainwash and Condition their Victims
What is Narcissist Discard and what are the signs?
Narcissist Hoovering – How to Deal With It
Narcissist Triangulation – What it is, why Narcissists do it, and how to deal with it
Narcissistic Abuse – How Narcissists Manipulate and Hurt their Victims
What is Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome and How Can I Get Better?
Narcissistic FOG – How Narcissists use Fear, Obligation and Guilt as Weapons
7 Types of Narcissistic Abuse with Practical Examples
What is Narcissistic Projection? The Narcissist’s toxic blame-shifting tactic
What you need to know about Narcissistic Rage
Love Bombing – The Narcissist’s Trick to Keep You Hooked
Narcissistic Smear Campaign – How To Spot It and What To Do About It
Narcissistic Word Salad – One of the Tools in the Narcissist’s Toolbox
The Definition of Triangulation in Narcissistic Abuse – A Closer Look
