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.

UN Chief Ban Ki-moon: Gaza Situation “on Knife-Edge”

Region needs leaders who promote peace, not endless fighting
July 10, 2014

Last of Syria's Chemical Weapons Shipped Out

Conflict delays OPCW investigation
July 7, 2014

Guilty by association: Israel, Iran and North Korea

Netanyahu compares Iran to North Korea
Yossi Mekelberg
June 13, 2014

Ukraine's Empty Seat at Table Darkens Party for Putin's Ex-Soviet Bloc

Russia’s trade union lacks heft of old Soviet Union
Raushan Nurshayeva and Alexei Anishchuk
June 26, 2014

Ukraine Signs Landmark Agreement With EU

Russia, a top trade partner, miscalculated with dominant approach
Michael Birnbaum
June 30, 2014