The destruction of a Death Star does not mean the destruction of an empire. Just because the head (Palpatine) and the enforcing arms (Vader and the Death Star) have been removed doesnt mean that the ordered, Galaxy-wide institution will just crumble to pieces. Theres conflict brewing anew as it seems unlikely that every planet will agree on how they should be run whether by a new senate, a Regenerated empire or even separating off and ruling themselves. Political princess Leia will have her work cut out for her in a galaxy where it isnt clear where the next war could spring from but one thing is for certain she will find it impossible to avert the event of another Star War.