ReportBrookings Institution, States United Democracy Center

The Financial and Economic Dangers of Democratic Backsliding

Layna Mosley, 2023

https://statesunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/THE-FINANCIAL.pdf

This report presents robust global data showing that democratic erosion—especially in advanced economies—is increasingly tied to higher costs of capital and greater economic volatility. It finds that more polarized environments tend to experience elevated equity risk premiums and reduced investment, posing long-term financial risks. The author urges businesses and investors to proactively incorporate these risks into their strategic planning, treating political instability as a material driver of market performance not just a political issue.

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Books (12)

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281 – 300 of 338 results showing

VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce

What Managers and Companies Can Do

Karthik Ramanna of the University of Oxford, 2021

VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce

Why Business is (Really) Being Asked to Step In So Often

Karthik Ramanna of University of Oxford, 2021

VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce

Why CPR Matters to Business & Society

Lisa Lewin of General Assembly, 2021

VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce

Why CPR Matters to Shareholders

Rick Alexander and Sara Murphy of The Shareholder Commons, 2021

VideoCorporate Political Responsibility Taskforce

Younger Generations’ View of CPR

Manu Meel of BridgeUSA, 2021

ReportAspen Institute & Allstate

Better Arguments Project

2020

Explores the history, emotion, and power of effective argumentation to promote more constructive debates and mutual learning in America. Shares key principles, including removing the focus on winning, prioritizing relationships and engaged listening, considering context, embracing vulnerability, and creating space for transformation.

ReportCERES

Blueprint for Responsible Policy Engagement on Climate Change

2020

Offers concrete recommendations on how companies can establish systems that address climate change as a systemic risk and integrate this understanding into their direct and indirect x on climate policies.

ReportCenter for Political Accountability

Conflicted Consequences: A Graphic Study on How Public Company Political Money Has Reshaped State and National Politics from 2010 to Today

2020

This report focuses on 527 organizations as a major vehicle for corporate treasury spending in support of candidates, parties and issues. It shows how the complexity of the transactions distance companies from their political spending, and the contradictions this invites -- in theory and in practice.

ReportCenter for Political Accountability

CPA-Zicklin Framework for Corporate Political Spending

Center for Political Accountability, 2020

The CPA-Zicklin Framework provides suggested key practices that companies can adopt to help manage the risks associated with election-related political spending.

ReportNiskanen Center

Faster Growth, Fairer Growth

Brink Lindsey and Samuel Hammond, 2020

The authors of this report argue that regulatory capture, specifically in finance, health care and housing sectors, has created extensive roadblocks to achieving inclusive prosperity and advocate for a more dynamic high road economy built around equitable access to high quality services. (See pg 1-11)

ArticleHBR

Fixing U.S. Politics

Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter, 2020

Founder of the Institute for Political Innovation and a Harvard Professor teamed up to identify the most powerful levers for transformation in American politics. Most notably, an increasing call from corporate leaders to reconsider frameworks that allow businesses to be entrenched in politics.

ArticleCalifornia Management Review

Friedman @50: Is It Still the Social Responsibility of Business to Increase Profits?

Karthik Ramanna, 2020

This paper reflects on Friedman’s famous claim that American business should solely be driven to increase profits. Oxford Professor Karthik Ramanna homes in on the qualifying clause of Friedman’s argument—that markets need non-market institutions to safeguard the conditions for competition—and that if corporations have influence in shaping the market, then it is not free. The report argues that corporate influence on the political landscape has tilted in their favor, often at the expense of the public sphere.

ArticleNiskanen Center

Large Corporations Contributed to Our Political Polarization: Here’s How They Can Fix It

Mark Mizruchi, 2020

This report provides an expansive history that ties the corporate condition to various policy eras, and makes a case for private sector investment in public policy (and not just one-off, charitable CSR initiatives).

ReportEnergy Transition Commission

Making Mission Possible: Delivering a Net-Zero Economy

2020

Authored by the Energy Transitions Commission, representing a wide array of perspectives, this report proposes a pathway to a net-zero global economy by mid-century. Specifically, it outlines three priorities for the 2020s: scaling proven zero-carbon solutions, creating supportive policy and investment environments, and advancing next-generation technologies for hard-to-abate sectors. It emphasizes practical actions for governments, investors, and businesses and stresses global collaboration to meet climate targets.

ReportWorld Economic Forum

Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism: Towards Common Metrics and Consistent Reporting of Sustainable Value Creation

2020

A core set of 21 metrics created by the WEF, in partnership with a handful of multinational companies, to best align with the political, social and environmental considerations necessary for implementing stakeholder capitalism. 

ReportAmerican Academy of Arts & Sciences

Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century

2020

Summarizes the results of a two-year bipartisan commission studying citizen concerns and how to revitalize democratic participation. Calls for a “fourth founding” of the United States, outlining six imperatives: achieve equal representation, empower voters, ensure political responsiveness, expand civil society, build civic information systems, and nurture a culture of commitment to democracy.

ReportWorld Business Council for Sustainable Development, Volans & EY

Reinventing Capitalism: A Transformation Agenda

2020

Highlights key factors required to refocus capitalism on long-term inclusive growth, including specific practices and policies that businesses should support. (See pg 5-13)

ReportCarnstone Partners Ltd

Responsible Lobbying Framework

2020

Provides a five-principle framework for responsible lobbying. Helpful for companies trying to orient themselves on their value/stance development in their corporate political activities as actions in the space come under increased scrutiny.

ArticleHBR

The Business Case for Saving Democracy

Rebecca Henderson, 2020

Henderson combines the public sentiment of distrust in corporate influence with evidence suggesting that free politics support free markets. She provides a strong case for businesses to fundamentally change their role from partisan players to supporters of the democratic process.

ReportBSR

The Business Role in Creating a 21st Century Social Contract

Cramer, et al, 2020

BSR’s report (71 pages in full, 9-page summary linked here) focuses on creating a new social contract in business, focused on ample collaboration between public and private entities, so that we can face future challenges at scale. This review highlights the opportunity areas specifically for businesses.

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