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.

Business as Usual

Despite worldwide condemnation of torture, the Iraqi Governing Council has been virtually silent
Nermeen Al-Mufti
May 7, 2004

Back to the Soeharto Years?

Recent erosion of civil liberties in Indonesia is a familiar and frightening development
May 31, 2004

Iran Still Making Nuclear Materials, U.N. Agency Says

Iran’s weapons program may have continued despite pledges to the contrary
Willliam J. Broad
June 2, 2004

U.S. Training African Forces to Uproot Terrorists

Pentagon's lesson from Afghanistan and Iraq: use local forces, American not GIs
Craig S. Smith
May 11, 2004

A Glimpse into the Terrorist Mind

What causes someone to become a terrorist?
Lee Kuan Yew
October 7, 2003