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.

Moving Targets

Will the counter-insurgency plan in Iraq repeat the mistakes of Vietnam?
Seymour M. Hersh
December 8, 2003

New Scrutiny of Visitors Begins Smoothly

Visa-carrying foreigners arriving in the U.S., including in South Florida, are fingerprinted and photographed as an antiterror program begins
Alfonso Chardy
January 6, 2004

Asia's Security Depends on Opportunities for All

Basic social needs must be met to solve security and development problems
Surin Pitsuwan
January 15, 2004

Souring Relations

Arguments erupt between the Iraq's Governing Council and US authorities
Ashraf Khalil
January 16, 2004

Among Arabs, Embarrassment Over the Surrender of a Figure Who Once Defied the West

Saddam Hussein's capture elicits mixed reactions in Middle East
Neil MacFarquhar
December 15, 2003