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.

China Maneuvers to Bring a Soft-landing to the Korean Crisis

The delicate and dangerous situation on the Korean Peninsula presents China with difficult choices
Yu Bin
February 11, 2003

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

Against the Wall: The US Faces a United Iraq

Rejection of the Baghdad divider shows a tiny glimmer of hope for defeating Al Qaeda in Iraq
Humphrey Hawksley
May 1, 2007

Bush at the Rubicon

Can the leader of the world's most powerful nation be persuaded to go against his instincts?
Strobe Talbott
January 23, 2003

The Poisonous Legacy of the Iraq War – Part I

By turning its might against Iraq, America’s post-9/11 militarism squandered a historic opportunity to defeat terrorism
Fawaz A. Gerges
March 15, 2007