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.

Syrian Massacres: World Has No Appetite for Intervention

Failure to stop killing could start a civil war, opening Syria to jihadis
Fahad Nazer
January 23, 2012

US-Pakistani Relations in Crisis – Part II

Despite growing strategic differences with Pakistan, the US should not reduce civilian aid
Robert M. Hathaway
January 5, 2012

US-Pakistani Relations in Crisis – Part I

Moscow ponders NATO’s dilemma in Afghanistan with mixture of angst and schadenfreude
Richard Weitz
January 3, 2012

Can Asia Step Up to 21st Century Leadership?

National power ambitions and regional competition may constrain Asia’s global leadership
Amitav Acharya
December 1, 2011

Toppling of Libyan Dictator Legitimizes R2P Doctrine

International response in Libya and Responsibility to Protect doctrine puts dictators on notice
Bennett Ramberg
November 29, 2011

World Anxious as Iran Inches Toward Nuclear Bomb

The global community plots counter measures as the IAEA confirms Iran’s nuclear weapon plans
Leonard S. Spector
November 14, 2011