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.

Lessons From Versailles for Today’s Middle East

Discontent and chaos in the Middle East are rooted in treaties drafted at the close of World War I
Marc Grossman and Simon Henderson
October 22, 2014

US and Vietnam to Discuss Curbing China’s Sea Claims

Blocking China’s salami-slicing tactics on the South China Sea require region-wide cooperation
David Brown
September 25, 2014

War in Ukraine Exposes Russia’s Weakness

Putin, striving to wield influence over former Soviet states, must compete with EU and rising China
Chris Miller
September 16, 2014

Confronting Islamic State Group: Coalition of Rivals?

Sunni-Shia divide complicates US, UK uniting regional coalition to fight Islamic State terrorists
Shashank Joshi
September 2, 2014

Pakistan, Obsessed Over India, Risks Anarchy

Pakistan cannot afford India as lasting enemy, yet agitators won’t let leaders make peace
Husain Haqqani
August 21, 2014

Long-Term Answer to Border Crises: Empower Women

Border crises flare as government policies neglect inequality, family planning and gender mainstreaming
Marisol Ruiz
August 19, 2014

Germany’s NATO Spending: Spiegel

Matthias Gebauer, Konstantin von Hammerstein, Christiane Hoffmann and Marcel Rosenbach
April 3, 2019

Summary of Mueller Findings: New York Times

Mark Mazzetti and Katie Benner
March 24, 2019