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.

Bombings and Shootings Rock Uzbekistan

Have Muslims become the scapegoat?
Esmer Islamov
March 30, 2004

Foreign Ministers Meet on North Korea Nukes

South Korea and China prepare for third round of negotiations
Choi Soung-ah
March 29, 2004

India Seethes as US Warms to Pakistan

American focus on anti-terror fight hurts regional peace efforts
Edward Luce
April 1, 2004

Terror Fight to Intensify

March 11 bombing in Madrid may have been planned by Islamists in Germany
William Pratt
March 26, 2004

Not Everyone Got It Wrong on Iraq's Weapons

Scott Ritter, for one, was not.
Scott Ritter
February 5, 2004