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.

Earthquake Narrows US-Iran Rift

Recent developments and "earthquake diplomacy" could mean that the time is right for a US-Iran rapprochement
Roshanak Taghavi
January 30, 2004

A New Front, but It's Still One War

"How many battles can the United States take on at one time?"
David E. Sanger
October 20, 2002