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.

Myanmar Morphs to US-China Battlefield

Burmese people could get caught in middle of superpower rivalry
Bertil Lintner
May 3, 2013

Crossing a Red Line

Use of chemical weapons in Syria invites foreign intervention
April 26, 2013

Pyongyang Declares New State of War

China reins in criticism of Kim regime
Nayan Chanda
April 15, 2013

Chinese President Xi Jinping Expresses Concern Over North Korea’s Rhetoric

Kim’s threats attract US military to region
William Wan
April 10, 2013