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.

Iran's Secret Quest for the Bomb

No easy solution to meet the challenge.
Leonard S. Spector
May 16, 2003

China's Mediation Backfires on North Korea

Pyongyang's nuclear weapon claim moves the country closer to the brink
Nayan Chanda
April 28, 2003

North Korea's Missile Trade Helps Fund Its Nuclear Program

Washington ponders how to choke off its exports
Bertil Lintner
May 5, 2003

Crisis and Response – Part I

Applying the UN responsibility-to-protect doctrine too broadly, to natural disasters, could do more harm than good
Ramesh Thakur
May 19, 2008

Disowned by Mentor, Bin Laden Seeks New Pastures

As bin Laden seeks recruits from the marginalized in the West, a Saudi cleric blames him for Muslim suffering
Fawaz A. Gerges
September 19, 2007

In Post-9/11 World, US President Has the Loneliest Job

The next president faces an uphill climb to restore domestic and global trust in the US
Bruce Stokes
September 10, 2007