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.

North Korea Tactic: Discredit Reports of Human-Rights Abuses

In response to UN inquiry North Korea targets and discredits escapees and their tales of torture and abuses
Steven Borowiec
March 24, 2015

Countering the Islamic State Scourge

Sunni and Shia nations must unite to battle oppression and the Islamic State violence
Riaz Hassan
March 19, 2015

Identity Politics, Corruption, Insecurity: Brave New World

Arab Spring protests, Islamic State –extremists feed off narratives of injustice, elites punish reformers
John Githongo
March 10, 2015

Thai Coup Alienates US Giving China New Opening

The US pressures Thai generals to plan elections, despite rocky transition and royal succession
Shawn W. Crispin
March 5, 2015

Why the West Is Losing the Battle Against Radical Islam

The US and Europe fail to summon the courage to criticize Saudi Arabia or toxic Wahhabism
Azeem Ibrahim
February 26, 2015

Alienated Muslim Youth Seek Purpose, Thrills in Joining Jihad

Youth confronting poverty, unemployment, social disdain grasp at extremists’ promises of a higher mission
Joji Sakurai
February 19, 2015

Why Venezuela Matters: New York Times

Megan Specia
April 30, 2019

Sri Lanka Attacks: BBC

April 22, 2019

The Mueller Report

Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III
April 18, 2019