Bioethics and Populism: How Should Our Field Respond?

Area of Science:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Bioethics

Background:

• A rise in authoritarian and exclusionary populism is observed globally.
• Contemporary populism challenges established democratic norms and institutions.
• This trend extends beyond traditional political divides, fostering extremism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of rising authoritarian populism on constitutional democracies.
• To explore the implications for the field of bioethics.
• To identify bioethics' potential role in strengthening democratic foundations.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of political trends and their societal impact.
• Examination of historical and contemporary populist movements.
• Discourse analysis of extremist ideologies and their connection to populism.

Main Results:

• Authoritarian populism poses a significant threat to constitutional democracies worldwide.
• The current wave of populism is characterized by polarization and extremism, exemplified by movements like the alt-right.
• The field of bioethics faces profound challenges but also holds potential to aid in democratic restoration.

Conclusions:

• The rise of authoritarian populism necessitates a re-evaluation of democratic resilience.
• Bioethics can play a crucial role in fostering inclusive justice and rebuilding civic foundations.
• Interdisciplinary approaches are vital to counter anti-democratic forces and support democratic renewal.