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.

Turkey Struggles as “Lone Gatekeeper” Against Islamic State Recruitment

Fighters from more than 80 nations are in Iraq and Syria
Nick Tattersall and Mariam Karouny
August 27, 2014

Arab Nations Strike in Libya, Surprising US

Middle East divide over Islamist threats, a race to provide arms, stalls diplomatic efforts
David D. Kirkpatrick and Eric Schmittaug
August 26, 2014

Pointless Punishment

Sanctions are not easing conflict in Ukraine and could disrupt Asian allies of the US
Ely Ratner and Elizabeth Rosenberg
August 23, 2014

Targeting Turkey: How Germany Spies on Its Friends

Anyone who discusses terrorism on phone or online could be a target
Nikolaus Blome, Hubert Gude, Sven Röbel, Jörg Schindler and Fidelius Schmid
August 20, 2014

The Science Behind ISIS Savagery: 5 Ways Humans Become Hardwired for Violence

Religion, group-think, revenge spur vicious behavior
Ian Robertson
August 20, 2014