What the study found
The review found that the literature on geopolitical risk and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) dynamics is growing and centers on five interdependent themes: ESG performance, green finance, renewable energy, climate change, and financial stability. The authors also report that geopolitical risk has a significant impact on ESG dynamics.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings have theoretical, practical, and policy implications for investors, policymakers, corporate managers, and academicians. The study also suggests there are important research gaps and future research directions at the intersection of geopolitical risk and ESG dynamics.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a systematic literature review using the PRISMA guideline, which is a structured method for identifying and screening studies. They retrieved 71 peer-reviewed articles published up to 2025 from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and organized the review into bibliometric analysis and thematic synthesis.
What worked and what didn't
The bibliometric analysis and thematic synthesis together identified five major themes in the existing literature. The review also found a growing academic interest in the multifaceted impacts of geopolitical risk on ESG dynamics. The abstract does not report which specific approaches or findings worked better than others in the primary studies.
What to keep in mind
This is a review of published studies, not a new empirical test of geopolitical risk and ESG outcomes. The abstract does not provide detailed limitations beyond the scope of the review, although it does indicate that the literature still has gaps.
Key points
- The review covered 71 peer-reviewed articles published up to 2025.
- Geopolitical risk was described as having a significant impact on ESG dynamics.
- Five recurring themes were identified: ESG performance, green finance, renewable energy, climate change, and financial stability.
- The review used PRISMA and combined bibliometric analysis with thematic synthesis.
- The authors say the literature still has research gaps and future research avenues.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Review maps links between geopolitical risk and ESG
- Authors:
- Laxman Tandan, Rudra P. Pradhan, Bhoj Raj Nyaupane
- Institutions:
- Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Tribhuvan University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-01
- DOI:
- 10.1002/bse.70659
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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