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.

How Social Media Is Helping Islamic State to Spread Its Poison

One writer blames exposure of massive secret US surveillance programs
Con Coughlin
November 11, 2014

Interview with an Islamic State Recruiter: “Democracy Is For Infidels”

Terrorists use texts more than 13 centuries old to justify brutality
Hasnain Kazim
October 31, 2014

Specter of Islamic State Looms Over Pakistan

The extremists are drawn to areas with chaotic governance and religious extremists
Farhan Bokhari
October 30, 2014

India to Modernize Vietnam’s Defense Forces

China rejects others interfering with its claims in the South China Sea
Suhasini Haidar
October 29, 2014

Syrians to Be Trained to Defend Territory, Not Take Ground From Jihadists, Officials Say

US will also recruit from refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan
Rajiv Chandrasekaran
October 24, 2014