The links between security and globalization were highlighted by the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, DC, and the subsequent long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lingering poverty, inequality, religious extremism and war can sow discontent and resentment as unprecedented global mobility lends access to education and travel in other countries. Despite use of drones, cyber-warfare and other advanced weapons technology to mount counterterrorist attacks, the marginalized can strike out at vulnerable urban or economic centers. Annual global defense spending exceeds $1.6 trillion. Containing the trade in weapons, whether nuclear bombs or assault rifles, and preventing them from falling into the wrong hands remain a challenge.

The War on Terror Yet to Be Won in Southeast Asia

The region has to walk a fine line between maintaining security and respecting human rights
Zachary Abuza
June 15, 2004

US Nation-Building Abroad – Part I

As the June 30 handover deadline nears, worries grow about what will be left behind in Iraq
Dilip Hiro
May 26, 2004

A New Coalition To Keep WMD Out of Terrorists' Hands

Operating outside the UN framework, the Proliferation Security Initiative sees growing support
Michael Richardson
May 10, 2004

Terrorists and Their Tools – Part II

Using the Internet to recruit, raise funds, and plan attacks
Gabriel Weimann
April 26, 2004

No More Rwandas

The US should follow Europe's lead and help the African Union create a rapid reaction force
Michael E. O'Hanlon
April 2, 2004

South American Tomato Moth Is Stoking Food Security Fears in Nigeria

The moth reproduces rapidly, and ruins tomato plants and other crops
Yomi Kazeem
May 30, 2016

G7 Vows Growth Efforts as Japan's Abe Warns of Global Crisis

Challenges are global in scale and require cooperation by all
Tetsushi Kajimoto
May 27, 2016

US Airstrike Against Taliban Leader Crossed a Pakistani “Red Line”

Some targets are too big and tempting
Tim Craig and Greg Miller
May 25, 2016

US Targets Spying Threat on Campus With Proposed Research Clampdown

Defense-related research at US colleges is described as soft target
Julia Edwards
May 23, 2016

The Great Wall of Sand

Ongoing disagreement over China’s broad claims in the South China Sea China destabilize the region
Jonathan Fenby
May 20, 2016