Welcome

by Christophe Meurier, Global Head of Financial Solutions, WTW

Introduction

Spring 2022

Welcome to the Spring 2022 edition of the Political Risk Index, produced in collaboration with Oxford Analytica. For more than a decade, the tagline for this Index has been “analysing patterns in the world’s most vulnerable countries”. In this special edition of the index, we take a closer look at one area of vulnerability in particular: climate.

Out of the 50 countries expected to be most impacted by climate change, 41 are in the lowest category of per-capita income; the remaining nine are in the second-lowest category, and include Bangladesh, Myanmar and Tonga*. Countries at this level of income tend to have contributed least to global emissions and additionally have the least capacity to respond to natural disasters. Hence the acute vulnerability of these countries to a changing climate is both a moral and human tragedy.

In this special edition of the Index, we have asked Oxford Analytica’s contributors and analysts to assess how climate is impacting politics in the countries the Index covers, including impacts on conflict and political stability; on developing countries’ positions on climate policy; and on green parties and environmental movements.

Christophe Meurier

Chief Executive Officer, Financial Solutions
Willis Towers Watson

This edition of the Index also, of course, covers the key political risk perils for which our Political Risk Index is known, from expropriation to currency inconvertibility to political violence. These perils are much in the headlines, in light of the conflict in Ukraine and the growing ripple effects of that conflict, particularly in world agricultural markets.

As ever, thank you for taking the time to read this Political Risk Index, I hope that you find it both interesting and valuable.

* According to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, https://gain.nd.edu/our-work/country-index/

Yours sincerely,

The content of this document is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing but due to the rapidly evolving situation, changes are occurring frequently and this information may have been superseded. Coverage may vary depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. For global client programs it is critical to consider all local operations and how policies may or may not include coverage relating to the Ukraine crisis. WTW is not in a position to provide any advice in relation to sanctions. Please ensure you taking advise from you own legal and/or other professional advisors before taking any action. The views expressed in the section are the opinion of Oxford Analytica and do not necessarily reflect those of WTW.