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.

The Pentagon's Eastern Obsession

Moving US military bases from Western Europe to the former Soviet bloc would be petty.
Lawrence J. Korb
July 30, 2003

New Freedom, and Peril, in Online Criticism of China

Online bullying reflects poorly on the source nations
Ariana Eunjung Cha
April 17, 2008

We Can Accept Israel as Neighbor, Says Hamas

Peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without talking to all stakeholders, insists former US president
Rory McCarthy
April 22, 2008

Unilateral Strike Called a Model for US Operations in Pakistan

The US and Pakistan demonstrate little cooperation in attacking Al Qaeda
Joby Warrick
February 19, 2008

A Muslim Missionary Group Draws New Scrutiny in US

But the Tablighi Jamaat, a community of Muslim proselytizers, abhors militant Muslim terrorist networks.
Susan Sachs
July 14, 2003