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.

Inspection of Weapons of Mass Destruction Should Be Universal

The United States has to assure the world that it is interested in disarmament and not world domination
Martin Shubik
February 25, 2003

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

Anti-Terror Fight Has to Be a Marathon Run on Wilsonian Principle, Not Cheap Oil

Terrorism cannot be fought on the basis of some universal principles while ignoring others
Thomas L. Friedman
February 8, 2003

Mixing Free Market, Minority Domination and Democracy Results in World On Fire

Corrective measures like affirmative action, could violate free-market expectations and threaten individual rights
Pat Sewell
February 10, 2003