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.

Nuclear Doubts in the House

US legislators should refuse to fund research on new generation of nuclear weapons.
July 16, 2003

2 Nuclear Weapons Challenges, 2 Different Strategies

President Bush fashions different approaches to the members of what he calls the ‘Axis of Evil’-- Iran and North Korea.
David E. Sanger
June 21, 2003

President Bush's Visit to Africa Isn't All about Oil

It’s also about America’s national security
Peter Fabricius
June 30, 2003

C.I.A. Said to Find North Korean Nuclear Advances

But some are skeptical of US intelligence
David E. Sanger
July 1, 2003

Force Down Rogue State Jets, say US, Australia

A muscular policy of interdiction however, raises thorny question of sovereign right of states.
Marian Wilkinson
July 5, 2003