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.

Europeans Warn of Terror Attacks in Event of War in Iraq

How prepared is Europe to deal with terrorist strikes in the event of war?
Marlise Simons
January 29, 2003

Iraq’s Refugee Crisis

Millions of war refugees may seem invisible to the West for now, but their impact could soon be felt
Anna Husarska
May 7, 2007

Text, Chief UN Weapons Inspector Hans Blix's Report on Iraq

Chief Weapons Inspector Hans Blix announced that though Iraq has “opened doors” to inspectors, its cooperation has not been as “active” as mandated by U.N. resolutions.
January 27, 2003

The Year After...

"If the world's most powerful decision-makers want to reverse the slide towards permanent insecurity and conflict, they will have to stop the war on terrorism!"
Tariq Rahman
December 16, 2002

The Qaeda Vipers in Europe’s Bosom

Europe is just as vulnerable to an al Qaeda attack as the United States, and European governments must work to prevent them.
Jonathan Stevenson
February 1, 2003