Tackling political risks (TT May04 p59-60)

All international trade carries inherent risk arising from the economic and political condition of the partner with whom you are trading, whether they are a private company or a foreign government department. Governments change, spending priorities are amended and the consequences for an exporter can be severe. It is also an unfortunate reality of life in the early 21st Century that any trade contract can be exposed to the risk of political violence, be it war or terrorist activity.