@SaganRitual .Because small, unapproved/unordered incidents, could be considered acts of war. A rogue captain,on a foreign ship, could order an attack on say an American escort vessel.
That’s why it was so dangerous having Russian, and US military in Syria. A small mishap, could have sparked a war.
Ever read Alas Babylon? A US pilot, accidentally wondered into Russian airspace, and a missile accidentally hit a Russian target. Causing a nuclear response from Russia.
A meteorite exploded over Indian airspace, not long ago. (If memory serves. ) For a brief while. Pakistan, and India were considering a nuclear exchange, because they thought the other had already launched.
Just like a big fight in a bar, it can start over very little, or no real provocation from anyone. I was at a bar on a Saturday night once, and everyone was watching the UFC fights. During a smoke break outside (smoking in bars, is illegal in Charleston) my friend dropped a glass on the sidewalk. She was just drunk, and it slipped from her hand. Next thing you know, 60 people erupted into a big brawl. Tensions were high, because of alcohol, and the UFC fights had testosterone levels high. It was a pool of gas, and just needed a spark…