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.

Washington Needs a Roadmap to Peace in North Korea

The Bush administration must focus its multilateral strategy if it wants to successfully address the North Korean situation
Larry A. Niksch
February 21, 2003

Exit From Iraq Should Be Through Iran

Linking forces with Iran could minimize the costs of withdrawal from Iraq
William E. Odom
May 29, 2007

Pakistan: Nuclear Power with Feet of Clay?

Pakistan’s focus on military muscle weakens social cohesion and makes the state increasingly ungovernable
Husain Haqqani
May 22, 2007

Seething Anger in a Broken Middle East

Invasion, poverty and instability deepen institutional crisis throughout the region – with no fix in sight
Fawaz A. Gerges
June 12, 2007

Marching Towards a High-Risk War in Iraq

The odds of catastrophe may not be very high, but still are too high
Richard K. Betts
February 22, 2003

The World’s Growing Nuclear Club

India can offer some lessons on non-proliferation in a new nuclear age
Humphrey Hawksley
April 16, 2007