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.

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Major headaches ahead for international travelers.
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Nigeria gratefully welcomes the expertise of farmers unwanted in Zimbabwe
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Nuclear proliferation is a symptom, not a cause, of insecurity in the Middle East
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Subsidized biofuels trigger food shortages and riots, while doing little to slow climate change
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Torch's Guards Have a Link to Tibet

Police guard Olympic torch and China’s image with ferocity
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