The events of 11 September 2001 and subsequently have brought into sharp focus the risks to businesses and employees in international markets. The risks are not confined to the actions of a few fanatical terroists. They encompass a range of activity arising from different cultures and attitudes. They stem from the willingness or otherwise of governments to strengthen weaknesses in policing, judicial systems and anti-terrorism and to stamp out organized crime, corruption, unfair trading, cronyism, bureaucracy and civil unrest. All these things exist to some degree in every country of the world. Through its international network - both offical and clandestine - Stuart Poole-Robb's company, the Merchant International Group, acts for many major international corporates in evaluating risks before investment and determining likely threats to success and safety well beyond the norms of due diligence. This book is the result of 20 years' experience in this field. It explains in detail the nature of risk and provides country analysis showing the extent and severity of local risk. It also explains defences against the listed risks through careful assessment, staff awareness, architecture and design and security equipment.