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.

Thaksin Dismisses 'Time' Terror Report

Thai officials deny accusations by Time magazine of sponsoring terrorist training bases.
November 22, 2002

Time for the US to Recognize Iraq's Humanitarian Crisis

Democracy and governance are impossible goals with citizens lacking homes and security
Roberta Cohen
January 11, 2007

US Coordinates Drug Sweep in the Balkans and Central Asia

Working with law-enforcement officials from 15 other nations across Central Asia and the Balkans, the Drug Enforcement Administration manages to seize tons of narcotics, signaling the viability of multinational operations in an area more known for its ethnic rivalries than commonalities.
David Binder
August 25, 2002

The Big Idea: A Doctrine Passes

George Kennan on containment and the Bush doctrine of preemptive self-defense.
Jane Mayer
October 7, 2002

Attack of the Zombie Computers Is Growing Threat

Owners are oblivious as hackers infiltrate thousands of computers and send out spam
John Markoff
January 12, 2007