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 Clash of Civilizations in Europe?

Sensitivity over every perceived slight to religion pits Islam against European secularism
Patrick Sabatier
October 17, 2006

The Withdrawal Syndrome – Part I

Withdrawal in Iraq does not preclude success elsewhere in the world
Richard N. Haass
October 31, 2006

The Withdrawal Syndrome – Part II

The meaning of victory in Iraq continues to disintegrate
Dilip Hiro
November 2, 2006

Middle East: Marching Backward to the Future

Arabs, seething about their regimes, seek to redeem honor by riding the Hezbollah wave
Barry Rubin
August 22, 2006

Iran’s Lebanon Card

To attack or to negotiate, the world has a stark choice in confronting Iran
George Perkovich
August 24, 2006

A Path to Global Disarmament

How the world responds to potential nuclear states influences global security
Hans Blix
October 5, 2006

Syrian Rebels in Secret Talks With Moscow to End Aleppo Fighting

Such talks, if underway, sideline the United States
Erika Solomon and Geoff Dyer
December 2, 2016

UN: Aleppo Risks Becoming Giant Graveyard

UN Security Council holds emergency meeting, but threat of Russian veto prevents action
December 1, 2016

Divisions Within Afghanistan’s Government Reach New Crisis Point

The government confronts instability and US leadership transition
Pamela Constable
December 1, 2016

Is A Trump Presidency Really a Big Win for Putin?

Unpredictability could pose problems for Russia
Reid Standish
November 24, 2016

China and Russia Take the Helm of Interpol

The organization's motto is “connecting police for a safer world”
Robbie Gramer
November 21, 2016