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.

Best Way to Defeat the Islamic State in Syria: Remove Assad

Iran and Russia prefer dealing with the US rather than the Islamic State
Con Coughlin
June 10, 2015

The Agency

Paid internet trolls target journalists and communities with highly coordinated fake disaster reports
Adrian Chen
June 5, 2015

What It’s Like to Be a Somali Refugee in Kenya

Neighboring states wonder how extremist groups expand, yet fear and resist refugees
Samira Shackle
May 29, 2015

China to Expand Naval Operations Amid Growing Tensions With US

The white paper responds to the US pivot to Asia and other challenges
Chun Han Wong
May 27, 2015

The ISIS March Continues: From Ramadi on to Baghdad?

The US and Iraq quarrel over use of Iranian-backed militias
Hassan Hassan
May 20, 2015