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.

N Korea 'Admits' Nuclear Weapons Programme

One member of the 'Axis of Evil' is a little more dangerous than many knew.
Andrew Ward
October 17, 2002

Urgent Worries About Pakistani Nuclear Material

North Korean-Pakistan link established months ago.
Nayan Chanda
October 18, 2002

Universities Move to Hide Work From US Eyes

Canadian academics suspect a catch behind popular technology and avoid storing data on US servers
Caroline Alphonso
November 13, 2006

US Takes Place of Saddam as Saudi 'Threat'

Fears of US domination of the Middle East run deep.
Roula Khalaf
October 20, 2002

New Winds Blowing Across the Mid-East

Displays of military might throughout the region produce little in the way of security
Gideon Samet
November 29, 2006