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.

Turkey-Syria-Iran Triangle Is Being Redrawn

Turkey may take sides with Sunni players
Nihat Ali Özcan
June 26, 2011

China Warns Outside Nations to Stay Out of Sea Dispute

Vietnam suggests that the US could help resolve differences
Chris Buckley
June 24, 2011

Kissinger, Huntsman – US and China Need Cyber Detente

Economic partners must cooperate to prevent cyberattacks
Paul Eckert, Daniel Magnowski
June 15, 2011

Why Syria Will Get Away With It

An era of Western military interventions could be coming to an end
Gideon Rachman
June 14, 2011

From Abbottabad to Worse

US aid has aggravated Pakistan’s problems
Christopher Hitchens
June 10, 2011