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Terrorism, political violence threats become more concentrated

Posted On: May. 26, 2015 12:00 AM CST

Terrorism, political violence threats become more concentrated

Terrorism risks are increasing in Western economies because of the threat posed by Islamic extremists, according to Aon P.L.C.

The London-based brokerage published its 2015 terrorism and Political Violence map Tuesday.

According to the map, overall more countries have seen their terrorism risk decline than have seen it increase, but risks have become more concentrated around a smaller number of countries.

Thirteen countries are at greater risk from terrorism and political violence than they were in 2014, according to the map: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Lesotho, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and Ukraine.

Twenty one countries are facing a lower terrorism risk than they did in 2014, according to the map, including seven countries in South America. This reflects progress in counterterrorism efforts in the region, as well as moves to end long-running conflicts in Colombia and Peru, among other factors, Aon said.

The region with the most countries at high risk of terrorism and political violence is sub-Saharan Africa, according to the map, with 16 countries in that region considered at high risk.

“This data highlights that terrorism and geopolitical uncertainty are risks that business cannot ignore — and they are as relevant to developed economies as to emerging markets,” said Henry Wilkinson, head of intelligence at The Risk Advisory Group P.L.C. in London, which helped Aon to compile the map.