on a more local level violence is not always about getting stuff. sometimes say local ruffians have to engage in extreme displays of violence in order to show dominance, to show we are not to be messed with, to try to get others to fear further moves.
perhaps globally, it’s the same principle. we don’t actually get anything other than everyone else thinks we are out of our minds and unpredictable and thus may say fine, let them have their way in the future. i guess htat’s indirectly about resources. but jeez.