Sectionalism (noun)

  1. Excessive concern for regional or local interests or affairs, often at the expense of national unity.
  2. An undue concern with regional or local interests or affairs, to the detriment of the larger national interests.

Origin:

Late 19th century: from sectional + -ism.

Examples:

  1. The debate over the tariff laws revealed deep divisions and a strong sense of sectionalism among the states.
  2. Sectionalism was a major factor in the events leading up to the American Civil War.
  3. The politicians were accused of promoting sectionalism in order to win votes in their local districts.
  4. Sectionalism can undermine the unity and stability of a country, creating divisions and conflicts.
  5. The movement to support local businesses was seen by some as a form of patriotic sectionalism.
Some random words: apathetic, antedate, short