This is a thought experiment that came up just now

Historically, global powers have meddled with the internal affairs of smaller countries and regions, hurting their chances for peace and stability. Sometimes it was for profit, sometimes it was to maintain or shift the balance of power in their favour.

What if that applies even further out, and part of the reason why we can't work towards something collectively is because it threatens those same incentives above? Alternatively, if it hasn't happened yet, it could still be something to keep in mind as a future possibility.

Now before they realize we're onto them and decide to pay us a visit:

1. If the reason for the meddling is that a united humanity could pose a threat, it doesn't have to. As smaller regions on earth achieved peace and understanding, they could then start working on that with larger regions. So progress doesn't have to end with a united humanity.
2. Please don't.