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.

Military Bans Disks, Threatens Courts-Martial to Stop New Leaks

The US restricts web, monitors its own troops to prevent public whistle-blowing
Noah Shachtman
December 15, 2010

WikiLeaks and the Long Haul

Conflicted democracies, wrestling with WikiLeaks’ abrupt transparency, find legal shortcuts tempting
Clay Shirky
December 14, 2010

The American Leak

A nation addicted to oil and easy credit is losing international leverage
Thomas L. Friedman
December 7, 2010

Koreas in Border Artillery Clash

Exchange in fire across North-South Korean border heightens regional tensions
John Sudworth
November 23, 2010

The Long Road to Reunification

A reunified Korea could look to Germany and Europe for a model
Yoav Cerralbo
November 17, 2010