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Published on: September 28, 2018
Anti-science extremism in America: escalating and globalizing
1Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
Anti-science rhetoric, particularly concerning vaccines and COVID-19 prevention, is rising in the US and globalizing. This trend, linked to extremist groups, threatens public health worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Political Science
- Sociology
Background:
- A significant increase in anti-science rhetoric has been observed in the United States over the past five years.
- This rhetoric primarily originates from the political far right and targets vaccines and COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Discussion:
- Declining vaccine coverage in over 100 US counties has led to resurgences of diseases like measles.
- The United States became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, highlighting the impact of public health challenges.
- The anti-science movement is now expanding globally, forming alliances with extremist organizations.
Key Insights:
- A new "anti-science triumvirate" involves far-right groups in the US and Germany.
- Russian media plays a role in amplifying this global anti-science movement.
- The globalization of anti-science sentiments poses significant risks to international public health.
Outlook:
- Continued vigilance and counter-messaging are crucial to combat the spread of health misinformation.
- International collaboration is needed to address the global public health implications of anti-science movements.
- Understanding the links between political extremism and anti-science ideologies is vital for developing effective public health interventions.
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