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.

Grain, Soybeans Rise as Food Riots Spur Demand for US Exports

Rising prices for staple foods, hunger fuel angry riots
Jeff Wilson, Whitney McFerron
January 28, 2011

Palestine Papers Are Distortion of Truth, Say Palestinian Officials

Palestinian documents show PLO concessions
Ian Black, Seumas Milne, Harriet Sherwood
January 26, 2011

Imperial by Design

The US emphasized military endeavors and left many foreign-policy problems unresolved
John Mearsheimer
January 18, 2011

Tunisia Protests Serve Warning to Autocratic Regimes

Fury about unemployment and corruption grows in Tunisia and other nations
Kristen Chick
January 14, 2011

Hackers Crack Open Mobile Network

Researchers devise low-cost system to eavesdrop on mobile phone calls and texts
January 12, 2011