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.

Written Again in British Blood

Continued violence in Afghanistan follows a historical pattern
Ben Macintyre
July 17, 2006

A Fight Against Terrorism – and Disorganization

US government strives for cooperation among multiple competing security agencies
Karen DeYoung
August 9, 2006

The Fighters and the Freeloaders

No one is safe from extremism or rogue nuclear states
Sebastian Mallaby
July 17, 2006

Why Israel’s Reaction Is Right

An immediate ceasefire agreement in the Middle East might only help the radicals
Matthias Kuntzel
July 24, 2006

North Korea Crisis Tests China’s New Global Role

North Korea poses many challenges for China
Gordon Fairclough
July 17, 2006