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.

'We should remain calm'

German interior minister Otto Schily discusses the Madrid bombings and the challenges to Germany posed by terrorism
Eckart Lohse
March 26, 2004

Handover Advanced but Problems Remain

Official Iraqi sovereignty isn't panacea for ground-level woes
Paul Reynolds
June 28, 2004

Terrorism Could Cost East Asia 3% in Growth over 5 Years: Study

Australian report sees economic impact lasting up to 10 years or more
Donald Urquhart
June 22, 2004

Inside America's Secret Afghan Gulag

We know about Guantánamo and Abu Ghraib, but until now America's Afghan jails have come under little scrutiny
Duncan Campbell
June 23, 2004

U.S. Drops Plan to Exempt G.I.'s From U.N. Court

Pressure from UN Secretary-General and aftermath of Iraq torture scandal cause US to back down on International Criminal Court
Warren Hoge
June 24, 2004