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.

ISIS: The Greatest Terror Threat Since Osama bin Laden

Extremists overcome Iraqi army and retrieve their US weapons
Jamsheed Choksy and Carol E.B. Choksy
June 17, 2014

Severity of Crisis in Maghreb/Sahel Regions Intensifies: MEA-Risk

Security risks are contagious in North Africa
Arezki Daoud
June 12, 2014

Boko Haram Beyond Nigeria: Girls' Education Under Threat

Globe should be wary about any attacks on education
Bina Shah
June 11, 2014

Let Colombia End Its Civil War

Preliminary agreement on illicit drugs is reached; deal not final
Washington Office on Latin America
June 5, 2014

How Egyptian Elections Alter Regional Balance

Bleak assessment – poor governance better than none at all?
Abdullah Kamal
May 30, 2014