What often happens when there are attempts to unify groups in places that have culturally traditional governments and deeply rooted tribal and ethnic divisions?

The attempts to unify groups in places that have culturally traditional governments and deeply rooted tribal and ethnic divisions will lead to the leader resisting any action which will threaten their being in power. Some form of friction and violence is also bound to happen due to the ethnic differences. All these factors makes the leaders to do their best to make things as they are due to fear of being ousted.