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.

Private Prayers for Assad's Survival

Syria's tough regime represents stability for Iraq, the US, Saudi Arabia, Israel and others
Dilip Hiro
June 7, 2011

The Battle for Pakistan

Pakistani military's use of extremists to target India has backfired
Bruce Riedel
June 2, 2011

Post-bin Laden: Pakistan’s Hour of Choice

Pressured by the US and bloodied by terrorists, Pakistan must choose its destiny
Sadanand Dhume
May 17, 2011

Libyan Fallout: Does NATO Divide the Atlantic Partners? Part II

Expecting cherry-picking from NATO members, the US delegates security tasks to Europe
Tomas Valasek
May 12, 2011

Libyan Fallout: Does NATO Divide the Atlantic Partners? Part I

Varying contributions of NATO members in war with Libya reveal a glass half empty
Alistair Burnett
May 10, 2011

Pakistan’s Not So Sleight of Hand

Overlooking bin Laden in Abbottabad shows either Pakistani complicity or incompetence on terror
Sumit Ganguly
May 4, 2011