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.

Not Just Paris: Why Is Beirut's Brutal Terrorist Attack Ignored?

Regarding some violence as routine is a threat for global security
Anna Lekas Miller
November 16, 2015

Hollande Blames ISIS for Attacks in Paris as Death Toll Rises

Europe and other global powers call for unity, but domestic politics may add challenges
Adam Nossiter, Aurelien Breeden and Nicola Clark
November 14, 2015

Crisis Without End: The Disintegration of the European Project

Historical precedents, the breakups of Austria-Hungary and Yugoslavia, suggest that a collapse of the EU is not unthinkable
Brendan Simms and Timothy Less
November 14, 2015

Cybersecurity Treaties May Be Nice, But It’s Every Country for Itself

Countries could disagree on what constitutes a cyber threat
Robert Litwak and Meg King
November 13, 2015

Egypt Can’t Blame Everyone Else

Egypt’s crackdown on activists, media invites global press scrutiny
H.A. Hellyer
November 9, 2015