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.

Narrow Court Ruling May Offer Room for Diplomacy on South China Sea Claims

International court will soon rule on South China Sea case between China and the Philippines
Ashley Townshend
October 13, 2015

Putin’s Syria Move Raises Profile – With Risks

Putin moves to stabilize Syria, stop extremism and diminish US influence, but the strategy could backfire
Thomas Graham
October 6, 2015

Pakistan Keen to Keep Ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia

Open for trade, Iran may test two rivalries – its own with Saudi Arabia, another between Pakistan and India
Debalina Ghoshal
October 1, 2015

Is ASEAN Losing Its Way?

Fragmented ASEAN balks at taking a position on China’s creeping expansionism in the South China Sea
Amitav Acharya
September 24, 2015

UN Development Goals Ignore Population Growth

UN sustainability goals should not overlook population growth centered in the poor, least developed countries
Joseph Chamie
September 22, 2015

Border Chaos: Europe Reacts to Syrian Refugee Crisis

European Union needs long-term policies on refugees, with no end in sight for suffering in Middle East or Africa
Chris Miller
September 15, 2015