Despite coups in Fiji and Thailand last year, the world is looking its most politically stable in three years. That’s the summary of Aon’s annual report on its political risk research. It says 15 countries are posing less of a risk of upheaval this year than they did in 2006.

Having said that, there are still plenty of political issues that could affect international business over the next 12 months. Nationalisation, for example, is on the rise in many energy-rich countries.

Aon US Trade Credit National MD Bryan Squibb says some nations, including Bolivia and Russia, have threatened to nationalise their energy industries – or even specific companies and projects.

He says businesses need to be aware of all possible risks they face, even from apparently stable governments.

“Companies now need to carry out far more detailed and diverse analysis of the risks they face in foreign territories, and these issues need to be constantly monitored as well, whether they are macro or micro in nature.”