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.

Bush Vetoes Move to Ban Water Torture

The government is divided about the usefulness of listing techniques
Ed Pilkington
March 13, 2008

Genocide Prevention: 60 Years of Abject Failure

UN Security Council veto power has made the convention on genocide impotent
Eric Reeves
February 6, 2008

Slowly, But Surely, Pyongyang Is Moving

The international community must keep a close eye on North Korea’s nuclear program
David Albright
January 29, 2008

North Korea Says It Seeks to Develop Nuclear Arms

What they are doing, though, is edging toward a declaration that they are now a nuclear weapons state … And once they take that step, how do we respond?
David E. Sanger
June 10, 2003

US May Put Naval Blockade on North Korea

With no United Nations resolution to back the policy, critics doubt the legality of a naval blockade of North Korea.
Andrew Ward
June 9, 2003