The effects of geopolitical and political risks on corporate ESG practices

This study examines how companies modify their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in reaction to geopolitical and political risks, presenting a unique empirical methodology that simultaneously addresses internal (political) and external (geopolitical) macroeconomic vulnerabilities. We use a comprehensive firm-level sample of 37 countries from 2002 to 2022 (42,587 firm years). Utilizing risk management and financial resilience theory, we define ESG as a dynamic, responsive mechanism by which corporations alleviate undiversifiable shocks. Utilizing a lead-lag autoregressive methodology on a cross-country firm-level panel, we demonstrate that ESG participation escalates in reaction to increasing risk levels; however, it exhibits systematic variation based on firm ESG maturity, industry attributes, and risk categories. Companies with inferior ESG scores have a more pronounced reaction to political instability, whereas those with superior ESG performance respond more acutely to geopolitical upheavals. Significantly, we reveal varied reactions across ESG pillars: environmental performance typically declines under geopolitical stress, whereas social and governance aspects frequently remain stable or enhance, indicating short-term adaptive tactics. Sectoral elements, like energy intensity and competitive pressure, further influence ESG reactions. Our findings provide fresh insights into the environmental management consequences of systemic risk exposure, emphasizing the necessity for supportive legislative frameworks and risk-sensitive ESG structures. This study enhances the existing literature on business sustainability by highlighting the strategic importance of ESG in improving environmental resilience during unstable geopolitical conditions. • We investigate the effects of geopolitical and political risks on corporate ESG practices. • We use a comprehensive firm-level sample of 37 countries from 2002 to 2022. • The lagged changes in both risk factors positively affect corporate ESG performance. • Energy intensity has an opposite moderating effect. • Elevated ESG-related concerns act as insurance and safeguard against the related risks.