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.

Parts for F-35 Would Evade Export Ban

Japan increases participation in the defense industry, as customer and supplier
Kyodo
February 12, 2013

Mali Islamists Seize Town Amid French Intervention

French foreign minister rejects comparison to Afghanistan
February 7, 2013

US and China Come Together Over Defiant North Korea

China loses patience with belligerent North, agrees to UN sanctions
January 25, 2013

US General Warns Over Iranian Cyber-Soldiers

Subjected to cyber-attacks, Iran sharpens its own cyber-knives
January 24, 2013

The Jihadist Eruption

Ethnic divisions, leftover weapons from Libyan conflict, allow extremists to take over much of Mali
Shiraz Maher
January 18, 2013