Pondering the political outlook

William Pesek JR

Political problems are threatening to blot the global economic landscape in 2004

Many Asian economies face problems; few operate amid the constant threat of nuclear annihilation. That is a remote risk, but one that cannot be completely ruled out. Does anyone really know what to expect from North Korea's reclusive leadership? While the Korean peninsula is an extreme case, events are a reminder that the biggest surprises in Asia this year may not be economic, but political. The months ahead will feature elections in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. Any surprises could spook markets. Negotiations over North Korea's nuc...