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.

Militia Rebuked by Some Arab Countries

Hezbollah’s connections to Iran prompt some Arab countries to condemn the Lebanese group’s attacks on Israel
Hassan M. Fattah
July 17, 2006

Options for US Limited as Mideast Crises Spread

Iran is a common factor in the growing emergencies in the Middle East
Robin Wright
July 18, 2006

Can Nouri al-Maliki Deliver Peace?

The question remains whether or not Iraq’s prime minister can deliver on his initiatives without troops
Bernhard Zand
July 6, 2006

Even Statelessness Goes Better With Coke. Or Does It?

The possibilities and pitfalls of doing business in Somalia
Marc Lacey
July 19, 2006

Only a UN-Led Peace Process Can Halt the Iraq Catastrophe

The UK government cannot justify the ongoing presence of troops unless it shows that it has learned from the failures
Menzies Campbell
July 17, 2006