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.

ASEAN Paralysis Gives China Free Hand in South China Sea

Tensions run high over Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, as ASEAN fails to reach consensus
Bertil Lintner
August 12, 2014

Hindi-Nippon Bhai Bhai?

Nationalist leaders in Japan and India link forces amid concern over aggressive Chinese policies
Harsh V. Pant
July 29, 2014

Global Casualty of an Escalating Local War

Local conflict in Ukraine takes global victim, and Russia plays politics with tragedy
David R. Cameron
July 24, 2014

How to Turn Off the ISIS Tap

The Muslim world must enact strict regulation of capital flows to stanch ISIS, shrink recruitment
Carol E. B. Choksy and Jamsheed K. Choksy
July 8, 2014

The Islamic World and the West: Recovering Common History

Europe overlooks long history of good exchanges with Arab-Islamic world and encourages defensive posture
Nayef Al-Rodhan
July 15, 2014

From the Unipolar Moment to a Multiplex World

New World order emerges, one that requires cooperation and ability to build regional ties
Amitav Acharya
July 3, 2014