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.

Foreign Religious Students on the Run

Foreign students flee the "War on Terror" in Pakistan
Hasan Mansoor
September 26, 2003

North Korea Says It Is Using Plutonium to Make A-Bombs

But promises not to share with other countries
James Brooke
October 2, 2003

Measure Would Alter Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy

Energy bill provision would ease constraints on exports of bomb-grade uranium
R. Jeffrey Smith
October 4, 2003

A Bird With Just One Wing

As the US ups the pressure on Iran to divulge its nuclear capabilities, Tehran is hardly in a position to set terms
Mustafa El-Labbad
October 10, 2003

Connect the Dots

Tariffs and terrorism have more in common than the US might think
Thomas Friedman
September 25, 2003