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.

How Much Will India Endure?

Train bombings in Mumbai complicate India-Pakistan relationship
Xenia Dormandy
July 13, 2006

Somalia: Why the International Contact Group Should Support the Islamic Courts Union

Somalia stands at a crucial crossroad between renewed violence and reconciliation
Abukar Arman
July 1, 2006

Nasrallah Has Dismissed International Law

Hezbollah will divide Lebanon if it continues to unilaterally escalate conflict with Israel
Chibli Mallat
July 14, 2006

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

The War We Must Win, The War of Values

Strong values – and solving major problems like poverty and climate change – could win the war against extremism
Tony Blair
August 4, 2006