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.

France Seeks Help in Monitoring Suspicious Activity

Government requests vigilance from train passengers
Sam Schechner and Matthew Dalton
August 24, 2015

Beheaded Scholar Refused to Lead ISIS to Hidden Antiquities

History and diverse beliefs threaten the Islamic State
Kareem Shaheen and Ian Black
August 19, 2015

War Actually Is an Alternative to Iran Deal

Expecting a better deal on Iran is fantasy
Philip Gordon
August 14, 2015

Ban Killer Robots Before They Become Weapons of Mass Destruction

Technology not fully understood, algorithms could go wrong
Peter Asaro
August 14, 2015

What China Has Been Building in the South China Sea

China announces an end to its reclamation work
Derek Watkins
August 6, 2015