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.

China “Extremely Concerned” by ASEAN Statement on Disputed Sea

ASEAN suggests that island-building in the South China Sea erodes trust
May 1, 2015

An Unending Refugee Tragedy: Europe's Path to Deadly Partition

Policies that aim to deter trafficking and migrant crossing have not worked
Matthias Gebauer, Horand Knaup, Peter Müller, Maximilian Popp, Jörg Schindler and Christoph Schult
April 28, 2015

Nepal Steps Up Rescue Effort Amid Global Aid Rush

Kathmandu depends on tourism and foreign aid
April 27, 2015

Saudi Arabia Signals a More Muscular Foreign Policy Less Reliant on the US

Saudi bombings in Yemen strike back at expanded Iranian presence in Middle East
Alexandra Zavis
April 27, 2015

Words of Concern, Walls of Deterrence: Refugees Pushed Out to Sea

NGO launches its own search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean
Aurélie Ponthieu
April 20, 2015