One of the more interesting maps (remember, among other quirks, I’m a map-geek) I’ve encountered in my job is one put out annually by… shoot, I can’t remember whether it’s one of the big reinsurers, or one of the big consulting firms. Anyway, this map details the top (primarily political) risks globally, and is just fascinating to look at….particularly if you live a mostly sheltered U.S. focused life.
Anyway, while it’s not the kick-ass map that I wish I could get on the mailing list for (I’d happily swap it for the fading U.S. quake risk map that adorns my office), I did note with interest that the Eurasia Group has published its lists of top 9 political risks and top 10 leaders to watch for 2008.
On political risks, the list is:
- U.S. (domestic security and economy)
- Iran
- Iraq
- Terrorism
- Pakistan/Afghanistan
- Russian foreign policy (opposition to U.S. unilateralism; reassertion of influence on former Soviet neighbors)
- South Africa (corruption within ANC)
- Turkey (secular vs. religious pressures)
- Energy bottlenecks in Latin America
And for the top 10 leaders to watch:
- Ayatollah Khamenei (Iran)
- Sarkozy (France)
- Putin (Russia)
- Musharraf (Pakistan)
- Yudhoyono (Indonesia)
- Zuma (South Africa)
- Yar’Adua (Nigeria)
- Mayawati Kumari (India)
- Lula da Silva (Brazil)
- Berdymukhamedov (Turkmenistan)
The President of the United States is apparently considered not particularly influential anymore.
