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.

China’s New Flexibility on Foreign Intervention

Seeking global clout, China’s position on sanctity of sovereignty evolves
Johan Lagerkvist
May 29, 2012

Afghanistan's Post-NATO Future

As NATO withdraws from Afghanistan, India and Pakistan must step up and cooperate on security
Harsh V. Pant
May 18, 2012

Asia Caught Between Rivals China and US

While cozying up to China for trade, Asians turn to the US for security
Jean-Pierre Lehmann
April 30, 2012

The US Confronts Pakistan’s Street Power

Manipulating Pakistani street anger, Saeed complicates US withdrawal from Afghanistan
Dilip Hiro
April 27, 2012

Can Afghanistan and Pakistan Prop Each Other Up?

As NATO leaves, a last hope is that Afghans and Pakistanis try economic cooperation
Paula Newberg
March 30, 2012

Global Power Shift – Part II

Could the US security pivot toward Asia make NATO irrelevant?
Richard Weitz
March 23, 2012