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.

Coalition Partners Get Cold Feet

Recent attacks test the political will of US allies in Iraq
Ewen MacAskill
April 10, 2004

When US Aided Insurgents, Did It Breed Future Terrorists?

Scholar says Africa's experience with terrorism is "an illuminating vantage point" for the rest of the world
Hugh Eakin
April 10, 2004

Terrorist Chemical Threat 'Worse than Suspected'

Small but well-linked groups of chemical experts associated with Islamic militants uncovered in Europe
Mark Huband
April 11, 2004

India Seethes as US Warms to Pakistan

American focus on anti-terror fight hurts regional peace efforts
Edward Luce
April 1, 2004

Terror Fight to Intensify

March 11 bombing in Madrid may have been planned by Islamists in Germany
William Pratt
March 26, 2004