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.

Inside America's Secret Afghan Gulag

We know about Guantánamo and Abu Ghraib, but until now America's Afghan jails have come under little scrutiny
Duncan Campbell
June 23, 2004

U.S. Drops Plan to Exempt G.I.'s From U.N. Court

Pressure from UN Secretary-General and aftermath of Iraq torture scandal cause US to back down on International Criminal Court
Warren Hoge
June 24, 2004

Can of Worms?

With a former prison warden now head of Al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia, fears abound that the security apparatus has been infiltrated by Islamic militants
Gamal Nkrumah
June 25, 2004

Japan's Equivocal Defence Posture

Addressing and rectifying the contradictions between Japan’s economic and defense goals
July 13, 2004

U.S. Is seen Losing Its Moral Authority

America’s global moral leadership has been harmed by the Patriot Act, the war in Iraq, detentions in Guantánamo Bay, and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal
Thomas Fuller
July 5, 2004