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.

NGO 2.0: Using the Web to Reunite Refugees

Social networking tools allow refugees to find loved ones
Charles Hawley
March 24, 2009

The Downside of Letting Robots Do the Bombing

Technology offers few easy answers
Mark Mazzetti
March 26, 2009

Empire of Bases

Hundreds of US military outposts around the globe could be more trouble than they're worth
Hugh Gusterson
March 19, 2009

Pakistan: The Militant Jihadi Challenge

Regional jihad groups have global goals
March 30, 2009

Amid Chaos, Citizens Spread Word on Web

In Mumbai, victims and onlookers used technology to describe the attacks
Mei Fong
December 2, 2008