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.

Foreign Recruits Are Islamic State’s Cannon Fodder

IS shows little trust of recruits and few are expected to survive
Eli Lake
February 24, 2015

What ISIS Really Wants

Religious fundamentalists want caliphate, return to the 7th century, apocalypse
Graeme Wood
February 23, 2015

China Expands Island Construction in Disputed South China Sea

One reef is three times closer to the Philippines than it is to China
Jeremy Page and Julian E. Barnes
February 20, 2015

Russian Hearts, Minds and Refrigerators

The sanctions are working, weakening support among Russians for a takeover of Ukraine
Gideon Rachman
February 19, 2015

Islam and the West at War

Religion and politics are treacherous combination for any who do not share beliefs
Roger Cohen
February 17, 2015