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.

North Korea’s Nuclear Test Deepens Chinese Dilemma

North Korea’s Kim regime openly challenges its leading benefactor, China, by claiming miniature hydrogen bomb test
Shim Jae Hoon
January 7, 2016

The Islamic State Wants the West to Over-React and Hasten Apocalypse

Islamic State strategy shifts from territorial control territory to random attacks, drawing over-reaction and recruits
David C. Rapoport
December 8, 2015

A War of Priorities in Syria

The anti-ISIS coalition of many divided special interests will struggle to end the war in Syria
Chris Miller
December 3, 2015

ISIS Rampage: A Threat to Cultural Heritage That Belongs to All

The world must find ways to intervene and protect antiquities when nation-states cannot do so
James Cuno
November 26, 2015

Air War May Be Satisfying, But Won’t Defeat ISIS

The international community must support the local forces motivated to defeat Islamic State: Kurds and Iran
Mohammed Ayoob
November 19, 2015

The US and Russia Face to Face as Ice Curtain Melts

Melting Arctic ice revives trade hopes and defense worries along non-hostile border between the US and Russia
Humphrey Hawksley
November 5, 2015