noun
controlling foreigners by using other foreigners; playing one barbarian state against another
A yojijukugo derived from classical Chinese strategy; used in historical or political contexts to describe a divide-and-rule approach against external groups.
See also: 夷を以て夷を制す
古代中国の王朝は、周辺民族に対して以夷制夷の策をとることがあった。
Ancient Chinese dynasties sometimes adopted a policy of controlling barbarians by using other barbarians.
この外交方針は、いわゆる以夷制夷の考え方に基づいている。
This diplomatic approach is based on the so-called idea of playing one foreign power against another.
The full classical Chinese phrase from which 以夷制夷 is abbreviated; used in more formal or explanatory contexts.
Abbreviation of the classical Chinese phrase 夷を以て夷を制す (i o motte i o seisu), meaning 'control barbarians by means of barbarians'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the expression is associated with ancient Chinese statecraft.