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Civil unrest causes risk downgrades in 37 countries: Aon Political Risk Map


April 24, 2012   by Canadian Underwriter


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Civil unrest partially arising from global economic austerity measures has prompted downgrades in 37 countries in Aon’s annual risk assessment of global terrorism and political violence.

Citing austerity measures as a byproduct of the global economic crisis, Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk management business of Aon plc (NYSE: AON), is warning companies to take note of potential threats to business continuity.

Aon’s 2012 Terrorism & Political Violence Map downgraded the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain from low risk to medium risk.

“The continued effects of the global economic crisis were very much in evidence in 2011,” a company statement says of the 2012 risk map. “As austerity measures and spending cuts took hold, civil unrest, riots, strikes and student protests were witnessed across large parts of Europe. This led to 43% of the downgrades in Aon’s 2012 map.”

Also, dramatic political change in the Middle East, Africa and Asia figured in risk downgrades, as governments adopted protective measures.

Meanwhile, terrorism remains relevant to the security of businesses, Aon reports, with 46% of all countries being considered potential targets of terrorist incidents. Africa is particularly susceptible in this regard, the map indicates.

“The death of Osama bin Laden last year signified the decline of a truly globalized radical Islamist terrorism capability, but regionally active groups continue to be inspired by al-Qaida’s ideology,” Aon says. “While South Asia and the Middle East remain as focal points for Islamist terrorist groups, Africa has shown the most dramatic shift in terrorism threat in the last year.

“The ratings of six African countries have been downgraded, with Senegal receiving a double downgrade from low to high risk.”

Access to Aon’s 2012 Terrorism & Political Violence Map can be requested via: http://www.aon.com/terrorismmap


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