International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

“Enemies of the People?” Public Health in the Era of Populist Politics; Comment on “The Rise of Post-truth Populism in Pluralist Liberal Democracies: Challenges for Health Policy”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Martin McKee 1
David Stuckler 2
1 ECOHOST, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
2 Dipartimento di Analisi delle Politiche e Management Pubblico, Università Bocconi, Milan, Italy
10.15171/ijhpm.2017.46
Abstract
In this commentary, we review the growth of populist politics, associated with exploitation of what has been termed fake news. We explore how certain words have been used in similar contexts historically, in particular the term “enemy of the people,” especially with regard to public health. We then set out 6 principles for public health professionals faced with these situations. First, using their epidemiological skills, they can provide insights into the reasons underlying the growth of populist politics. Second using their expertise in modelling and health impact assessment, they can anticipate and warn about the consequences of populist policies. Third, they can support the institutions that are necessary for effective public health. Fourth they can reclaim the narrative, rejecting hatred and division, to promote social solidarity. Fifth, they can support fact checking and the use of evidence. Finally, they should always remember the lessons of history, and in particular, the way that public health has, on occasions, collaborated with totalitarian and genocidal regimes.
Keywords
Public Health
Advocacy
Political Economy
Fake News
Subjects
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 6, Issue 11
2017
Pages 669-672

  • Received Date 15 March 2017
  • Revised Date 15 April 2017
  • Accepted Date 09 April 2017
  • First Published Date 01 November 2017
  • Published Date 01 November 2017