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.

Far-Right Swiss Party Divides Nation on Immigrant Issue

Modern politics are not immune to anti-immigrant fervor
Elaine Sciolino
October 17, 2007

Hunt for Iraqi Arms Erodes Assumptions

A search for weapons falters.
Barton Gellman
April 21, 2003

Democratize or Disintegrate

Volatility swirls in the Middle East, threatening governance of any sort
Bahey Eldin Hassan
September 20, 2007

Will Vajpayee's Gambit Pay Off?

The Iraq War gives a push for a settlement of India-Pakistan dispute
Edward Luce
May 8, 2003

War on Iraq Could Be Disastrous for Philippines

War in one region can economically devastate countries on the other side of the globe.
Al Labita
October 7, 2002