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.

Bomb Kills Three Chinese in Pakistan

11 Injured in Blast at Seaport Construction Site
Kamran Khan
May 4, 2004

North Korea Builds Up Missiles

Pyongyang is constructing new sites for ballistic missiles
Joo Sang-min
May 5, 2004

Iraqi Prison Scandal Hits US in a Big Way

But for Arabs it's just another example of US abuse
Ilnur Cevic
May 5, 2004

Iraq Prisoner Abuse Draws Global Media Outrage

World decries abominable American treatment of Iraqi prisoners
May 5, 2004

New Prison Images Emerge

Graphic Photos May Be More Evidence of Abuse
New Prison Images Emerge
May 6, 2004