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.

Japan Dips its Toe in the Taiwan Strait

A more assertive stance by Washington and Tokyo may signal a changing US approach to China
Wenran Jiang
March 2, 2005

Walking on Eggshells in Tehran

Given the depth of mutual distrust, the US and Europe must work hard with Iran to prevent a nuclear breakout
George Perkovich
November 22, 2004

A New Battlefield in Thailand

Old grievances of an Islamic minority, reawakened in post 9/11 world, are set aflame by government brutality
Bertil Lintner
November 24, 2004

US Can't Rely Solely on Might

Washington must exercise soft power and seek international cooperation
Joseph S. Nye, Jr.
November 17, 2003

Iran on the Brink

Short of acquiescence or military action, how can the world community respond to Tehran's nuclear ambitions?
Henry Sokolski
September 22, 2004

Gathering Nuclear Crisis Calls for a Drastic Policy Overhaul

Nuclear powers themselves must respect the fundamental principle of non-proliferation
Ramesh Thakur
September 10, 2004

European Purgatory: Migrant Smugglers Helping Refugees Return to Turkey

Conditions on the border between Greece and Macedonia are described as disgrace for the EU
Riham Alkousaa and Maximilian Popp
July 7, 2016

Week of Terror Underscores a “Desperate” Islamic State

The Islamic State, losing militarily, shifts tactics toward conventional terrorism
Jessica Durando and Jim Michaels
July 4, 2016

5 Refugee Crises You May Not Know About, But Should

The world has 65 million forcibly displaced people
Devon Haynie
June 30, 2016

An Attack on Turkey's Airport and Its Ambitions

Terrorist attacks could drive the NATO member closer to Russia
June 29, 2016

NATO War Games In Poland Get Russia's Attention

The Pentagon is quadrupling spending for what it calls European reassurance
David Welna
June 21, 2016