Dr Jim Rolfe from the centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University says today's ballistic missile launch by North Korea over Northern Japan is concerning... but not dangerous.
He says despite the act of aggression by the rogue state there's not a lot Japan can do without escalating the crisis.
Dr Rolfe says one of the reasons behind today's launch could be retaliation for the U.S and South Korea conducting military exercises.
But Dr Rolfe says North Korea didn't aim the missile at Japan, rather over it, which he suspects means Kim Jong Un is being provocative and showing his power - not inviting war.
"It's like a six year old having a tantrum."
Economically weakened, Dr Rolfe says military might is all the country has left to flex in the world.
He talked to Jesse Mulligan.
