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.

Nigeria’s ‘Taliban’ Enigma

Mysterious extremists oppose “Western-style” education
Joe Boyle
July 29, 2009

Terrorists Recruit For Cyberwar, Official Says

From econo-jihad to cyber-jihad, terrorists use any means necessary to prosecute their global war
June 26, 2009

Uygur Detainees: Canberra Caught in Diplomatic Vice

Nationalist or terrorist titles become more fuzzy in the war on terror
Jonathan Pearlman
June 4, 2009

Think Again: Child Soldiers

Not a product of globalization: child soldiers have been around for centuries
Scott Gates, Simon Reich
May 29, 2009

Pakistan Expanding Its Nuclear Capability

Pakistan is building more nukes for no apparent reason
Robert Windrem
May 13, 2009