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.

A Week of Reckoning; A New Enemy Gains on the U.S.

Hezbollah has morphed into a hybrid army
Thom Shanker
July 30, 2006

Detainee Decision Greeted Skeptically

Human-rights groups express outrage that some European countries assisted the US with secret prisons for terrorists
Kevin Sullivan
September 13, 2006

Preventing Misuse of Development Aid

Governments must ensure aid accountability, without imposing insurmountable obstacles for people most in need
Syed Mohammad Ali
August 18, 2006

The Basis for Iran's Belligerence

Collapsing governments throughout the Middle East do not provide security for Israel
Shlomo Ben-Ami
September 8, 2006

Losing the War on Terror

Extremists fine tune their tactics, short-circuiting technology and promoting fear
Ahmed Rashid
September 11, 2006