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.

Ending Lapse into Lawlessness

Unethical practices like torture breed terror
Kenneth Roth
August 29, 2008

Surprise Word on Nuclear Gains by North Korea and Iran

Two new reports detail 18 years of hidden programs
David E. Sanger
November 12, 2003

How the Georgia Conflict Impacts US-Russian Relations

There’s limits to how much either country can push the other one around
Thomas R. Pickering
September 2, 2008

Australians Wake Up to Risks of Air Travel

Will terrorists launch missiles at a commercial airliner?
Ross Peake
September 13, 2003

Terrorists Have No Right to Speak for Arabs, Muslims

All reasonable people in the Arab and Islamic worlds should condemn terrorism
November 17, 2003