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.

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

A Nuclear Hand of Friendship

US-India nuclear agreement a positive way to circumvent the arbitrariness of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Vinod Khosla
July 4, 2006

Even Statelessness Goes Better With Coke. Or Does It?

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

Rival US Labs in Arms Race to Build Safer Nuclear Bomb

The new long-lasting warhead is deemed “safer” only because it might reduce the nation's stockpile
Ralph Vartabedian
July 7, 2006

Russia Looks Both East and West

Energy trade and security top Russia’s agenda at the G-8 summit
Andrew Symon
July 20, 2006