this is actually not too uncommon tbh (see: the baathist syrian regime, although i guess at least there the leadership is actually from a minority), but i think 'authoritarian regime is able to prevent sectarianism from being the main political cleavage' is very real.

if nothing else then because ethnicity and language and religion are just very easy fissures for political entrepreneurs to push and poke at in any competitive system.

oh yeah, I'm not disputing the fear in general.