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.

Spy Agencies Now Share the Wikipedia Way

With new software and organization of data, US spies leap into collaboration
Greg Miller
November 2, 2006

Bush Signs Fence Bill, Pushes Back

The US remains severely divided over immigration policy and how to control borders
Nicole Gaouette
October 27, 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

Technical Perspective on North Korea’s Nuclear Test

Experts assess the importance of North Korea’s entry into the nuclear club
October 12, 2006

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