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.

After NATO's Year of Identity Crisis, a Defining Meeting

With an upcoming meeting in Prague, NATO must redefine its purpose to meet the new challenges of the twenty-first century.
Steven Erlanger
November 4, 2002

Unmanned Weapon Makes Its Mark in Yemen

War on Terror launches new unmanned air vehicle (UAV) that kills al-Qaeda fugitive in Yemen.
Mark Huband
November 5, 2002

Police Say Bali Mastermind Was a Cool Killer

Combining travel, technology, and terror, the Bali bomber's life history illuminates the dark side of globalization.
November 22, 2002

Satellite Row Rich in Contradictions

Thai military officers fret about a stock deal that handed control of Thai telecommunications to the Singaporean government
Siriporn Sachamuneewongse
February 28, 2007

Turkey Saying No to Accepting G.I.'s in Large Numbers

Complicating Bush’s plans with Iraq, Turkey announced that American troops would be allowed to be stationed in Turkey only in severely limited numbers if war against Iraq breaks out.
Michael R. Gordon
December 4, 2002