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.

Not a good recipe for happy times

Daily scenes of violence in the Middle East may be the first peek at what more the future holds
Rami G. Khouri
June 16, 2004

Red Cross Ultimatum to US on Saddam

Release him, charge him, or break international law, Bush told
Jonathan Steele
June 14, 2004

State Dept. Concedes Errors in Terror Data

Discrepancy in numbers of deaths, countries hit by terrorism
R. Jeffrey Smith
June 10, 2004

Berg's death augurs ill for Arab societies

Unless Arab leaders are galvanized into reform, their societies will be torn asunder
May 12, 2004

Roh Stands by Deployment of Korean Troops in Iraq

Threatened beheading won't sway Seoul's position on Iraq
Seo Hyun-jin
June 22, 2004