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.

Clearing Clouds Over the Karakoram Pass

Sino-Pakistani cooperation in fighting terrorism improves relations, but other challenges may arise
Ziad Haider
March 29, 2004

While the US Looked for Iraqi WMD, North Korea Built Theirs

Bush's early refusal to deal with North Korea makes it harder now to walk Pyongyang back from its weapons program
Jack Pritchard
March 31, 2004

Uzbekistan: A Third Front in the War on Terrorism?

Unless handled with care, it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy
Charles William Maynes
April 5, 2004

UN Inspection in Iraq Was No Sham

The UN success holds valuable lessons for stopping proliferation
Jessica Tuchman Mathews
March 26, 2004

Is a Nuclear Deal with North Korea Feasible?

Kim Jong Il rattles the saber to get the most out of a new US administration
Peter M. Beck
February 27, 2009

End Game in Sri Lanka

Global factors bring long civil war to a close, but only reconciliation can end an extremist ideology
Harsh V. Pant
February 23, 2009

American Apathy: Voters’ Aversion to Foreign Entanglements Bodes Ill for Stability in Asia

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are the presumptive nominees, and Bernie Sanders still wins states
Nayan Chanda
May 18, 2016

Can Assad Keep Crossing the “Red Line”?

Impatience grows amid ongoing brutality and diplomatic approaches
David Ignatius
May 17, 2016

Philippines’ Next President: Implications for ASEAN

Voters select bluster over government expertise
Mely Caballero-Anthony
May 11, 2016

Moderate Syrian Rebels Torn Between Giving Up, Joining Islamic Extremists

Diplomatic efforts have failed, as Russia and the US disagree on what to do about Assad
Sam Dagher
May 6, 2016

Fort McMurray Blaze Shows What “the Economy” Is Really About

Protection of homes and surroundings is economic priority
Todd Hirsch
May 6, 2016