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.

Keep the Ban on Arms for China

Eliminating the ban would dramatically enhance China's rapidly developing military
Roger Cliff
March 22, 2004

Averting 9/11: How Close We Came

Hearings show the changed context since 9/11, and the difficulties in curbing Al Qaeda
Faye Bowers
March 25, 2004

Save Pakistan to Save Us All

The international community would be foolish to dismiss Pakistan chaos as a regional problem in need of a military solution
Gautam Adhikari
January 12, 2009

Diplomats Put on Backlash Alert

Though the white powder found at the Indonesian embassy in Australia may actually be harmless, a security threat remains
Cynthia Banham
June 2, 2005

Six-Party Standstill

Talk brings no action on eliminating North Korean nuclear weapons
December 18, 2008