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.

Army Squeezes Soldier Blogs, Maybe to Death

After tolerating blogs and e-mails for four years, the US Army orders soldiers to get permission before hitting the send key
Noah Shachtman
May 9, 2007

Pyongyang's Aims Hidden by Veil of Rhetoric

Mutual distrust between the United States and North Korea impedes a solution to the nuclear crisis.
Andrew Ward
February 5, 2003

The Islamist Mouseketeers: Hamas Mickey Mouse Teaches Jihad

Hamas borrows an American icon to indoctrinate Muslim children
May 10, 2007

Thousands Trapped in Kenyan Camp

Facing hunger and crime, refugees wait for security clearance before being allowed to come to America.
Rachel L. Swarns
January 29, 2003

21 Solutions to Save the World: A Global Magna Carta

Democratic nations cannot afford any hypocrisy when confronting rogue nations that defy basic global standards
Garry Kasparov
May 14, 2007