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.

Officials Fear Iraq's Lure for Muslims in Europe

Growing numbers of European Muslims are joining insurgents in Iraq
Craig S. Smith
October 23, 2004

Thailand Only Feeds Muslim Discontent

Domestic mistreatment of Thai Muslims will nourish the international jihad movement
Philip Bowring
October 27, 2004

A Timely Initiative

India, Russia, and China collaborate, bringing new focus to the global war on terror
October 28, 2004

The Road to Madness

Excerpts from Ibrahim Nafie's latest work suggest that the West consistently thwarted the aspirations of Arab and Muslim peoples
Ibrahim Nafie
September 17, 2004

Everyone Wants A Bomb

Isn't it time for a new nuclear treaty, based not on Eisenhower's fantasy, but on grim global realities?
George Monbiot
September 21, 2004