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.

An Alternative to Boycotts or Divestment for Israel

Boycotting Israeli firms that hire Palestinians won’t deliver peace; business-housing programs like New York’s Co-op City offer an alternative
Ian Shapiro and Nicholas Strong
May 26, 2016

Japan Trains Others to Enforce Law in East, South China Seas

Boosting and training coast guards is a civilian-power solution to tensions in the East and South China Seas
Yoichi Funabashi
May 19, 2016

Bangladesh Accommodates Extremism, Spelling Danger for the Region

With a series of attacks and no crackdown on extremism, Bangladesh retreats from its secular, democratic beginnings
Sumit Ganguly
May 17, 2016

Treating ISIS as Cancer

The Obama administration compares ISIS to cancer, and the analogy offers insights into defeating the extremists
Bennett Ramberg
April 21, 2016

Obama's Cautious and Calibrated Approach to an Assertive China

Whether the US-China relationship after Obama continues with confrontation or cooperation may be in Xi’s hands
Robert Sutter
April 19, 2016

Life After the Nuclear Security Summits: Are We Safe?

The nuclear security summits raised awareness and improved security, but threat of terrorists seizing fissile material is high
Richard Weitz
April 14, 2016