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.

A Cash-Strapped US Faces Diminished Political Clout

The US can no longer afford grand foreign-policy initiatives
Michael Mandelbaum
August 31, 2010

Manhattan Project: The Great Mosque Divide

Both conservatives and liberals draw wrong conclusions about a global issue
Sadanand Dhume
August 24, 2010

Power Game in Asia Trips Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Attempts to gain influence by spreading technology threaten the non-proliferation regime
Harsh V. Pant
August 12, 2010

Gaza: The Silver Lining?

US focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could lift a bleak outlook for the Middle East
Gustav Ranis
August 5, 2010

Maoist Insurgency Trips Up Rising India

Mining, critical for India’s growth as a global power, erodes traditional livelihoods and fuels armed struggle
Eric Randolph
July 29, 2010

Obama’s America and the World: A Promise at Risk

To tackle the major challenges of our time, Obama needs wide support
Strobe Talbott
July 20, 2010