Is a missile test a provocative action?

[Unorthodox]

Been wondering over the news coverage of this NK missile test. 

Along the lines of "how dare he?"  He's threatening peace in the region, etc. 

Is it really?  We KNEW it was coming...

[Lorizael]

As with a lot of actions in international politics, it seems that missile tests are provocative because we all kind of decided they were, because it seems like the kind of thing we should see as provocative.

[Elok]

Apparently, it provoked.  Not sure what it provoked.  We have a very provokable administration right now.

[Unorthodox]

Let's just say there's a reason I'm asking. 

As with a lot of actions in international politics, it seems that missile tests are provocative because we all kind of decided they were, because it seems like the kind of thing we should see as provocative.

But DID we decide that?

Is it a big deal when we do a test? 
Russia?
China? 

Or is the public perception that those don't happen anymore? 

[Spacy]

I think it relies a bit on trust.

Do we trust NK to not drop a nuke or a couple tons of sarin gas on someone for no particular reason?  Nope.
De we trust Russia and China?  Well, a lot more than NK, but not really trustworthy... south china sea and Ukraine are a few examples.

Course, I expect that the amount of trust we have with them is about the same as they have with us...

[Geo]

If there is no trust, EVERY action is a provocation.

Even if its just staring to another person on the workfloor.

[Rusty Edge]

I said sometimes.

As a boomer, I tend to believe that the MAD theory actually worked. I can understand that other nations would like to join the nuclear club, so they wouldn't have to worry so much about being invaded, or threatened with WMD's.

I think the provocation part comes in with the direction and trajectory of the missiles. Shooting towards bases or cities in Japan, but landing a little short in the ocean.

Sort of like if I was shooting directly towards my neighbor's house, but deliberately hitting a tree on the property line. He'd likely be upset and ask me to stop, but if I continued to do the same thing, or maybe hitting a stump by his doghouse, or his parked car, I'd be provoking him. If I shot in the opposite direction, not so much.

[Unorthodox]

I said sometimes.

As a boomer, I tend to believe that the MAD theory actually worked. I can understand that other nations would like to join the nuclear club, so they wouldn't have to worry so much about being invaded, or threatened with WMD's.

I think the provocation part comes in with the direction and trajectory of the missiles. Shooting towards bases or cities in Japan, but landing a little short in the ocean.

Sort of like if I was shooting directly towards my neighbor's house, but deliberately hitting a tree on the property line. He'd likely be upset and ask me to stop, but if I continued to do the same thing, or maybe hitting a stump by his doghouse, or his parked car, I'd be provoking him. If I shot in the opposite direction, not so much.

Which direction should North Korea aim?

[Spacy]

I know which direction I would like to see them aim.... but that it won't ever happen. 

[Rusty Edge]

I was thinking China...

[Unorthodox]

http://time.com/4755266/north-korea-minuteman-icbm-test-launch/

The U.S. Will Conduct a Missile Test on Wednesday Amid North Korea Tensions











Kevin Lui



Apr 25, 2017


 




The U.S. will conduct a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile test Wednesday, according to an announcement from the Air Force.

The test launch from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base will involve an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM, and is scheduled to take place between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. PST. The purpose of the test is to "verify the status of our national nuclear force and to demonstrate our national nuclear capabilities," Col. John Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, who will order the launch, said in a statement.


The scheduled test launch comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula over Pyongyang's recent missile tests and concerns that it is about to conduct a sixth nuclear test. On Tuesday, North Korea celebrated the anniversary of its military's founding with a show of force and a live-fire artillery drill. The same day, a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Michigan, docked in the South Korean port city of Busan, according to the Associated Press, and the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group is headed toward the peninsula.

On Wednesday, South Korea announced it was deploying parts of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, which has angered North Korea, China and Russia who consider it a security threat.

[Unorthodox]

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/

 




The test was conducted by the Air Force Global Strike Command’s team from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Warren Air Force Base is one of three missile bases overseeing the country’s intercontinental ballistic missile forces.

According to the Air Force Global Strike Command, the launch was designed to “verify the accuracy and reliability” of the Minuteman missile system as well as provide “valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.”

The missile has been in service for 60 years, but it has been upgraded over the years with improved targeting and enhanced accuracy systems, the Air Force said.

On Monday, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, criticized the timing of the launch, citing heightened tension between the U.S. and North Korea. In recent weeks, North Korea has stepped up its testing of ballistic missiles.




“When it comes to missile testing, the U.S. is operating with a clear double standard: It views its own tests as justified and useful, while it views the tests of North Korea as threatening and destabilizing,” foundation President David Krieger said in a statement. “What is needed is diplomacy rather than military provocations. Threats, whether in the form of tweets, nuclear-capable aircraft carrier groups, or nuclear-capable missile launches, only increase the dangers to us all.”

[Unorthodox]

So, does this change your opinions at all?

Is [Sleezebag] just provoking/responding? 

I'm genuinely curious how folks feel about it, while noting a lot of the mainstream sources aren't even reporting it happened. 

[Buster's Uncle]

I had seen a headline this morning - the general basically admitted it was partly a gesture...

[Unorthodox]

. . .

Uh huh.  And the timing?