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.

Torture in Bahrain Aided by Nokia Siemens

Surveillance chills human-rights activism
Vernon Silver, Ben Elgin
August 31, 2011

Ethiopia “Using Aid as Weapon of Oppression”

Politicians allegedly use aid to gain support
August 29, 2011

After Gaddafi, Let's Hope for the Best in Libya

Libya has advantages over Egypt, Tunisia or Iraq
Brian Whitaker
August 23, 2011

Rolling Shocks Explain Why the World Is So Depressed

Big democracies flounder in tackling global crisis
David Ignatius
August 12, 2011

Operation Shady Rat – Unprecedented Cyber-Espionage Campaign and Intellectual-Property Bonanza

For five years, hackers tiptoed through computers of governments and corporations
Michael Joseph Gross
August 9, 2011