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.

A Year of Living Dangerously

Europe needs to take bold action to address Islamic radicalism
Francis Fukuyama
November 3, 2005

Sarkozy Pledges Police Crackdown after Riots in Paris

Police repression and ghetto riots in Paris leave France in crisis
Jon Henley
November 1, 2005

Remittances Are Effective Weapon Against Poverty

But anti-terror measures may prevent migrants from sending money back home
Norman Lamont
November 18, 2005

In Iraq, They’re Revisiting Vietnam-Era Counterinsurgency

But can they sidestep the strategy’s potential failures?
David Ignatius
November 8, 2005

Musharraf's Islamist Challenge

Radical Islamists are doing much to help the victims of last month's Pakistani earthquake - perhaps at Musharraf's expense
November 10, 2005