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.

Jihad in Nigeria: Past Lives On

Jihad in Africa has long complicated foreign relations, and Muslims still struggle to define and control the quest
Lamin Sanneh
April 29, 2014

Taliban Victory in Afghanistan Would Pose Problem for Pakistan

Demographics require Pakistan to seek stable Afghanistan with power-sharing among ethnic groups
Riaz Hassan
April 15, 2014

Reaching Nuclear Threshold, Iran May Be Ready for Pause

Perhaps its nuclear capability, and not so much sanctions, brought Iran to the negotiating table
Arch Roberts
April 10, 2014

It’s Putin’s World

Russia seeks global stature – the West must deal with Putin’s world and support Ukraine
Thomas Graham
March 27, 2014

Why Putin Doesn’t Care About Sanctions

Putin ignores western sanctions as annexation of Crimea is regarded in Russian national interest
David R. Cameron
March 25, 2014

Defying the Taliban, Afghans Head to the Polls

Afghans have made great strides since 2001 – April election is a fight for the future
Marc Grossman
March 20, 2014

Showdown Over Aid for Venezuela: New York Times

Nicholas Casey, Anatoly Kurmanaev and Ernesto Londoño
February 23, 2019

Another Cuban Missile Crisis: Reuters

Andrew Osborn
February 21, 2019