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.

Preemptive Strikes

February 6, 2003

Indonesia Backgrounder: How the Jemaah Islamiyah Terrorist Network Operates

Report sheds light on Southeast Asia's fiercest terrorist organization.
December 11, 2002

Thaksin Dismisses 'Time' Terror Report

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

The Big Idea: A Doctrine Passes

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

Pew Survey Finds America’s Global Stature Diminished

The lone superpower is finding that power doesn't equal popularity.
December 4, 2002