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.

An Arab Initiative That Can Work

Arab leaders take a historic step in consolidating views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Daniel Kurtzer
March 22, 2007

We Can Still Pursue an Ethical Foreign Policy

But the Iraq invasion and accompanying chaos complicate future attempts by powerful nations to assist those vulnerable to human-rights violations
Adrian Hamilton
March 22, 2007

Bush and the Three Rogues

"Instead of one rogue nation testing his patience, President George Bush now has all three members of his 'axis of evil' openly defying attempts by America to limit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
December 16, 2002

After the Serial Blasts

Recent bombings in Bangladesh reveal how ill-prepared local authorities and intelligence agencies are to combat terror.
December 10, 2002

The Northern Front

If Turkey continues vacilating on support for a US war on Iraq it could endanger its close alliance to the US and overall Middle Eastern stability.
William Safire
January 16, 2003