Today, large swaths of the globe stand at the brink of political violence and armed conflict with some areas in active warfare. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Israel’s armed conflicts against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the simmering tensions regarding China’s territorial claim to Taiwan and other disputed territories in the South China Sea are just a few international conflicts that grab daily international headlines. Turmoil in the global markets stemming from the imposition of tariffs between the U.S. and some its trading partners has raised concerns of a global recession that could further destabilize governments and currency in emerging markets. But in this period of uncertainty in the international order, companies with substantial international investments or operations may face increased risks of expropriation, currency instability and political violence in jurisdictions previously thought stable. Indeed, insurance company Allianz considers about 100 countries to be at “high or extreme risk of civil unrest.” Continue Reading The Increasing Importance of Political and Marine/War Risks Insurance to Manage Risks From Global Unrest and Disruptions to the International Trade System
America’s Aging Dams and Other Infrastructure is an Urgent Insurance Coverage Issue
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more destructive. No part of the United States is entirely immune from some combination of tornadoes, fires, droughts, earthquakes, freeze events, and hurricanes. Indeed, 2024’s “extraordinary” hurricane season saw Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastate swaths of the Southeastern United States from Florida to North Carolina.[1] This trend has continued in the early days of 2025 with wildfires in California and winter storms in the South and along the East Coast causing devastation, supply chain disruptions, and, reportedly, tens of billions of dollars in insured losses.Continue Reading America’s Aging Dams and Other Infrastructure is an Urgent Insurance Coverage Issue
Steps for Companies to Maximize Potential Insurance Recovery After the EPA’s Recent PFAS Designation
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the designation of two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and their salts and structural isomers—as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).[1] In its designation, the EPA has identified over 85 industries it believes are most likely to be directly or indirectly affected by the designation. Continue Reading Steps for Companies to Maximize Potential Insurance Recovery After the EPA’s Recent PFAS Designation