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.

Going the Distance

Profile of the US president analyzes inequality, human nature’s tendency to ignore long-term implications
David Remnick
January 22, 2014

EU Must Open Doors to Avoid Syrian Refugee Catastrophe, Says UN

With no end to civil war in sight, temporary camps are inhumane
Martin Chulov, Harriet Grant
January 14, 2014

The Misuse of American Might and the Price Paid

Interventions feed resistance and instability
Andrew J. Bacevich
January 13, 2014

US and Iran Face Common Enemies in Mideast Strife

Can the two nations work together to end extremism?
Thomas Erdbrink
January 7, 2014

The Great War’s Ominous Echoes

The start of the 20th century was an era of rapid globalization, too
Margaret MacMillan
December 30, 2013