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.

Island Nations Play China, India

China’s new ties with Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka sink India’s influence over Indian Ocean
Harsh V. Pant
January 9, 2013

Nationalism Rises in Northeast Asia

Territorial fights menace prosperity in Japan, China, South Korea and global interdependence
Jean-Pierre Lehmann
January 4, 2013

No Lone Wolves in Cyberspace

As lone-wolf terrorists plot online, waiting for instructions, authorities follow the trails
Gabriel Weimann
December 21, 2012

Turkey Can’t Afford Over-Involvement in Syria

Turkey’s Western-backed interventions in Syria could affect its security
Mohammed Ayoob
December 17, 2012

Obama Visits China-Tilting Cambodia

Authoritarian Hun Sen plays the US off China, but the US takes long-term view
Sebastian Strangio
December 7, 2012

China’s Aggressive Stance Reveals Lack of Coordination

To avoid tensions over sea claims, China needs a national security council
Terry McCarthy
December 5, 2012