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.

Report Urges Overhaul of the War Powers Law

US presidents could get a new, more specific checklist for starting wars
John M. Broder
July 14, 2008

Two Years on, ASEAN Breaks Terrorism’s Deadly Lock

Southeast Asian countries have made big efforts to squelch terrorism, but many challenges remain
Daljit Singh
September 11, 2003

Foreign Views of US Darken Since Sept. 11

Post-9/11 sympathy has become post-Iraq antipathy
Richard Bernstein
September 11, 2003

Smugglers Had Design for Advanced Warhead

Nuclear secrets released by Pakistani A.Q. Khan continue to generate profits and danger
Joby Warrick
June 16, 2008

Taliban Officials Tell of Plans to Grind Down the Americans

Will the Taliban's guerilla tactics frustrate US reconstruction in Afghanistan?
David Rohde
September 12, 2003