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.

The World After 9/11 – Part I

Al Qaeda is intent on provoking war to launch caliphate and upend global powers
Bruce Riedel
September 6, 2011

Globalizing Insurgency in Somalia

Amid dire poverty and famine, Somali-insurgency al-Shabab conducts transnational recruitment
Christopher Anzalone
August 23, 2011

A Stalled Arab Spring

To change Middle East, disparate groups of protesters must coalesce around a shared vision
Dilip Hiro
August 4, 2011

China’s North Korean Foreign Policy Decoded

To sway North Korea, China does what nations do – follow its own interests
Sunny Seong-hyon Lee
July 28, 2011

South China Sea: A Commons for China Only?

China rejects UN treaty by asserting sovereignty over the South China Sea
Carlyle A. Thayer
July 7, 2011

People on the Move – Part I

Failure to contain illegal immigration from North Africa will alter Europe’s political landscape
Joseph Chamie
June 14, 2011