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 Bush’s Nuclear Deal Burned Canada

The US makes Canada an unwitting participant in India’s nuclear weapons program
Leonard S. Spector
March 24, 2006

US Backs First-Strike Attack Plan

Bush administration does not back off from its pre-emptive war policy
March 16, 2006

US Approves Visa for Indian Scientist

The US falters in balancing national security concerns with an open visa policy
Shankar Vedantam
February 27, 2006

Un-American

The US needs more Muslim business deals and friends
Mansoor Ijaz
February 24, 2006

Exit Without a Strategy

Exit from Iraq is possible, but Bush and Blair cling to hopes for a pro-West regime
Sami Ramadani
February 24, 2006