Actually, if you look at it from their perspective, they have likely thought it through entirely.

Inciting discord among us is a rather sound military strategy; if we do not trust each other, then the threat of a potential imPort uprising against them is eliminated. Not only that, but such a move will single out those whose loyalty cannot be bought either by bribery or fear. That will allow them to ascertain which individuals pose a threat to them, and which they could potentially approach to do their bidding.