Infighting

Infighting refers to conflicts that arise within a group, organization, or movement, rather than between it and external rivals. It typically involves power struggles, leadership contests, policy disagreements, or intense interpersonal clashes that disrupt decision making and undermine collective objectives. Infighting can appear in political parties, government cabinets, corporations, advocacy campaigns, sports teams, or social movements.

Causes include competition for limited resources or status, ideological or strategic splits, leadership transitions, perception of bias or illegitimate authority, and personal rivalries. Structural factors such as ambiguous authority, unclear succession rules, or centralized decision making can amplify factional tensions. External stressors, such as public scrutiny or competing coalitions, can also provoke inward conflict.

Infighting often takes the form of public spats, leaked disputes, backroom plots, purges or demotions, factions forming around different agendas, or deliberate undermining of rivals. It can be fueled by media attention, social media, and the mobilization of sympathetic supporters. In some cases, infighting drives reforms or leadership changes; in others, it leads to fragmentation and decline.

Outcomes vary from short-term governance paralysis to long-term damage to legitimacy and effectiveness. Mitigation strategies emphasize clear governance structures, transparent decision making, inclusive problem solving, defined dispute resolution channels, and early warning signals. Encouraging dialogue, setting aside personal differences, and establishing rules for succession and accountability help reduce the likelihood and impact of infighting.