Maybe you are being genuine so I'll try to be too, you're wrong to fear what comes next. Historically new leaders don't in totalitarian states don't want an external war, they want to secure their lot, make sure they are protected, shore up support.

Children are being kidnapped, prisoners of war ar being tortured, civilians raped, towns and cities cut off from water or flooded, left to freeze over winter. What exactly do you think is coming next? Someone with more efficiency? Less morals? Thanos?