Then, Latin America managed to merge the legacy of mismanagement with a lack of reformist political will. Not a pretty thought for Asia's outlook. The Political Stability Index rates the propensity of a country to become politically unstable with damaging economic effects. The Policy Foundations Index rates countries on their ability to formulate sound economic policy. The Institutional Strength Index rates the success of a country's political institutions in promoting the kind of stable, long-term growth that will generate wealth over time.
High scores indicate more stability and less risk.
Singapore serves as a benchmark. 34 Dr. Zonis is a professor of international political economy at the University of Chicago business school.