Overview
Political decisions and policies developed by governments are likely to affect the costs and profitability of business operations. International business in particular faces complexity given their operations in various foreign countries. Managers need to take the political environment and potential impact on the firms into account when deciding on international business activities.

Activity description
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) provides research and analysis on country risk and opportunities. Some of the data and analysis is publicly accessible but others require additional subscription.

Consider

• What are the limitations of the EIU risk assessments?
• How can managers supplement research by the EIU to assess political risk in a country?
• Take your home country and read the political risk assessment provided by EIU. Do you agree with their perspective? If not, why not?

Visit the following website:
http://country.eiu.com/AllCountries.aspx