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.

Israeli, Syrian Representatives Reach Secret Understandings

Unfortunately, report of talks and informal agreement between Syria and Israel may be a bluff
Akiva Eldar
January 16, 2007

Japan's Navy Is Back, and There's No Cause to Be Alarmed

Some of the changes in Asia caused by America's war on terrorism may fade as quickly as the condensation trails of the B-52 bombers over Afghanistan. But one quiet development marks a major turning point: the re-emergence of Japan's naval forces from constitutionally mandated quarantine.
Nayan Chanda
November 22, 2001

America in Africa: Addressing a Mix of Islam and Oil

Reduced US aid for education and health care in Africa threatens national security
Ricardo Rene Laremont
February 6, 2007

Shades of Cambodia

The US president ignores advice to engage Iraq’s neighbors, singling them out as the main source of chaos in the region, and threatens action
Harold Meyerson
January 12, 2007

Containment, Not Appeasement

History demonstrates that policies of containment work better than military campaigns for changing attitudes
Ian Shapiro
January 17, 2007