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.

Erdogan's Cynical Game: Is Turkey Creeping Toward Civil War?

Attacks on Kurds battling the Islamic State are troubling
Maximilian Popp and Christoph Reuter
August 4, 2015

Turkey Launches Heaviest Air Strikes Yet on Kurdish Group

Kurds count among the fiercest opponents for the Islamic State
Humeyra Pamuk and Nick Tattersall
July 29, 2015

US Not “Neutral” in South China Sea Disputes: Top US Diplomat

But the US has not yet ratified UNCLOS
Prashanth Parameswaran
July 28, 2015

Iran Nuclear Deal Is Reached With World

Provision allows for quick “snap back” on sanctions in the event of violations
David E. Sanger and Michael R. Gordon
July 15, 2015

Greece’s Russian Fantasy; Russia’s European Delusion

Russia is in no position to rescue Greece
Pavel K. Baev
July 10, 2015