Ironwood is no-good
During Ironwood's Post-Beacon scenes, whenever he hits something, it's always been out of frustration at his impotence. And it's always been followed up by him making a decision with negative effects on his kingdom. First, in Jacques' office before closing the borders. Then, in his own office before ordering Robyn's arrest. And again in his office, just before he turns on Team RWBY. But each time while there is damage, the desk is still whole, symbolizing that there is still a chance to fix things.
So of course, he destroys his entire computer terminal just before making a choice that brings his entire kingdom to total ruin. And while the bomb he's threatening to use on Mantle is stopped, his decision to drop it sets off a chain-reaction of events that hand Salem the very victory he wanted to prevent.
Something, something, we always meet our destiny on the road we took to avoid it, something, something.




















