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.

Without International Support, Lebanon May Go Under

Political stability – the ability of citizens to live with some rules they may not like – crumbles in the Middle East
Nizar Abdel-Kader
December 4, 2006

Urgent Worries About Pakistani Nuclear Material

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

Sensible Ideas on Why to Engage Tehran

The US lacks viable policy options to prevent nuclear development in Iran, North Korea or elsewhere in the world
Rami G. Khouri
October 17, 2006

Try Diplomacy, Not War

Conflict in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East produces little in the way of accomplishment
Ernesto Zedillo
November 3, 2006

Kremlin Puts Foreign NGO’s on Notice

International criticism targets Russia after the government closes offices of Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders and others
C.J. Chivers
October 24, 2006