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.

Coalition of the Unwilling: Merkel's Plan B Could Mean End of Schengen

Attempts to contain refugees may result in new bottlenecks for all travelers
Peter Müller, Ralf Neukirch and Andreas Ulrich
December 11, 2015

San Bernardino Redefines Obama's Remaining Time in Office

The Islamic State thrives on perceptions that the West is at war with Islam
Susan Page
December 7, 2015

Laser Beams Aimed at Aircraft at Atsugi Base

Reports have been filed in Japan, the United States and Europe
December 7, 2015

Al Qaeda Captures 2 Yemen Towns

Patterns of religious divides, problematic governance and interventions ravage the Middle East
December 4, 2015

The Challenge of Urban Flooding

Economic disruptions of extreme weather are immense for large population centers like Chennai
December 3, 2015