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 America’s Police Became an Army: The 1033 Program

Military chickens come home to roost
Taylor Wofford
August 15, 2014

How Obama Can Show He Is Serious About Helping Iraq

ISIS may have united the Middle East by starting a caliphate too soon
David Ignatius
August 15, 2014

Standing Up to China on the South China Sea

ASEAN is not useful – small countries worry about losing Chinese trade and investment
Philip Bowring
August 14, 2014

Saudis Have Lost the Right to Take Sunni Leadership

Funding of Wahhabi mosques and schools shifts Islam toward extremism
David Gardner
August 13, 2014