What does the term "expropriation" refer to in international business?

The term "expropriation" in international business specifically refers to a situation where a government forcibly takes private assets owned by individuals or companies, often without fair compensation. This process is typically carried out to serve public interests, such as nationalization of industries or development projects, but can lead to significant tensions between the state and foreign investors.

Understanding expropriation is crucial because it relates to the risk that international businesses face when operating in foreign markets where the political climate may change, and governments may seek to seize control of foreign-owned enterprises. This concept highlights the importance of risk management and understanding the local legal frameworks when investing abroad.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of expropriation. Increased import tariffs relate to trade barriers, voluntary asset transfer implies consent from the asset owner, and economic sanctions pertain to penalties imposed by one country on another, often for political reasons, rather than directly addressing asset seizure.