Why do health crises matter for populism?

Area of Science:

• Socioeconomics
• Public Health
• Political Science

Background:

• Historical analysis of the interwar period reveals connections between public health, economic policy, and political movements.
• The Great Depression presented diverse policy responses with varying public health and political outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between health crises, economic policy decisions, and the emergence of populism.
• To analyze how different responses to the Great Depression influenced public health and political trajectories.

Main Methods:

• Comparative historical analysis of Germany and the U.S. during the interwar period.
• Examination of economic policies (austerity vs. expansionary), public health indicators, and political developments (rise of far-right movements, political radicalization).

Main Results:

• Germany's austerity measures correlated with economic decline, poorer health, and increased support for far-right movements.
• The U.S. New Deal's expansionary policies were associated with enhanced social protections, improved health, and reduced political radicalization.

Conclusions:

• Historical evidence suggests economic policy choices during crises have profound public health and political consequences.
• Inadequate responses to intertwined health and economic crises may erode trust and fuel populism, offering lessons for contemporary challenges.