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.

The Never-Ending Myanmar Nightmare

Refugee crisis escalates as military regime sells nation’s wealth to control and monitor Burmese people
Daniel Pepper
September 30, 2006

Custom-Built Pathogens Raise Bioterror Fears

A revolution in bioengineered viruses could help terrorists
Joby Warrick
July 25, 2006

Look Who's Fair and Balanced

Arab media leads the way in avoiding incendiary terms for describing conflict throughout the Middle East
Lawrence Pintak
August 28, 2006

A Muslim Militancy Born in Modernity Not Mosques

Investigators cannot blame radicalism on a few mosques, networks or even societies
Faisal Devji
August 29, 2006

US-Russia Effort to Contain Nuclear Experts Fades

Without some last-minute diplomacy, a hiring program for Russian nuclear scientists will expire
Fred Weir
September 22, 2006