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.

Iran’s Unwavering Support to Assad’s Syria

Iran’s status as regional leader erodes among Sunnis
Karim Sadjadpour
August 30, 2013

The Case Against War in Syria

Unilateral attack violates international law and threatens all
Oona Hathaway, Scott Shapiro
August 29, 2013

Mosque or Modernity?

Reforms may yet emerge from within Islam
Michel Rocard
August 28, 2013

Codename “Apalachee”: How the US Spies on Europe and the UN

US snoops on technology, and trade, food, energy policies
Laura Poitras, Marcel Rosenbach, Holger Stark
August 27, 2013

Bradley Manning's 35-Year Sentence Is a Halfway House

Individuals who expose secrets can be both domestic threat and global hero
Mark Mardell
August 26, 2013