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.

Huawei in Challenge to US

US regulators uncover a foreign high-tech investment using social media site
Stephanie Kirchgaessner, Kathrin Hille
February 17, 2011

Foreign Islamists Get Little Support in Egypt

Iran takes credit for Egypt’s protests but the Muslim Brotherhood flatly rejects the claim
Farnaz Fassihi, Matt Bradley
February 10, 2011

Egypt Violence Exposes Secret Tools of State Repression

Pro-democracy protesters to journalists under attack: “Welcome to our world”
Frank Gardner
February 8, 2011

BE, Before Egypt. AE, After Egypt.

Israel must partner with the Palestinians, tackling inevitable transitions in the Arab world
Thomas L. Friedman
February 7, 2011

Why a Nervous China Aims to Shield Citizens From Egypt News

China forbids internet chatter and foreign news reports on Egypt’s protests
Peter Ford
February 1, 2011