Both men know that a lack of unity can only benefit a common enemy.

BBC: Obama and Netanyahu play down differences

Another asset that would have worked in the U.S. cardinals' favor is a lack of unity among Italians that has manifested itself in past conclaves, said the U.S. cardinal.

WSJ: With Speech, Cardinal Set Path to Papacy

The American has won only a third of his matches in three Ryder Cups and has received criticism for a perceived lack of unity with his team.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Tiger Woods

Lack of political unity may be a bigger worry.

ECONOMIST: War in Libya

Outlook: With their debt overhang and lack of fiscal unity, it will take quite some time before Europe, as a whole, recovers.

FORBES: The Big Four Global Economies