holding one's ground; defending local authority
戦国時代は諸大名が各地に割拠していた。
During the Warring States period, lords held their ground in various regions.
派閥が割拠する組織は意思決定が遅れがちだ。
Organizations where factions hold sway tend to have slow decision-making.
群雄割拠の時代に統一を果たした功績は大きい。
The achievement of unification in an era of rival warlords is great.