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.

If This Is Ahmadinejad’s Bluff, It Is Bluff Worth Calling

The US should respond to Ahmadinejad’s letter, however strange it may be
Simon Jenkins
May 15, 2006

The Demise of the NPT: New Players in the Proliferation Game

More nations clamor for nuclear power and increase the challenges of nonproliferation
Chua Hearn Yuit
May 16, 2006

Iraq Through the Prism of Vietnam

A three-phase progression of miscalculation links Vietnam and Iraq
William E. Odom
March 8, 2006

Afghanistan: The Long Road Ahead

US confronts an array of challenges, from drug production to interference from Iran
Richard Holbrooke
April 3, 2006

Don’t Exaggerate Iranian Threat

Confronting Iran in a nuclear standoff, the world cannot afford false alarms
Thomas W. Lippman
May 25, 2006