War is a reallocation of resources. Usually it's the government taking the resources from the governed. It's no secret that wars are started whenever a government needs money. The characters involved and the setting are just that: characters and setting. Do you think we really go to war to depose and "evil dictator?" There are hundreds of evil dictators around the world, some of whom the US is kissing cousins with. yet, we don't go to war against them. why not? Nothing in it for us. If something comes up though, that's another story.
As far as innocent civilians getting killed, well, cost of doing business. Any corporate executive will tell you the same thing. Same goes for the soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen that spill their blood.
George Orwell had this idea, that whenever a society experiences a prolonged period of relative peace (like the 1990s), the inevitable result is a surplus of money and time afforded to the society. It is the government's role to take that money and time back from the governed. This is accomplished through wars and taxes. Hence, war is not waged against evil or an enemy or to free an oppressed people, what have you. Wars are fought by the government against the governed. The locales and parties involved are only window dressing. Again, blood spilled is only a small price to pay for a big investment that pays very well.
