Potential Global Effects of the Rise of the Far Right on Public Health.

Abstract

The influence of the far right is growing globally. This calls for a critical examination of its potential public health implications. Characterized by authoritarianism, injustice, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, divisive rhetoric, and a propensity for violence, the far right often employs denialist arguments against scientific evidence, including opposition to environmental protection policies. We conducted a narrative review of existing evidence to assess the impact of these elements on public health. The findings suggest that the rise of the far right could have significant negative effects on population health. As a consequence, we advocate that the public health field and society at large must take a deliberate stance in response to this emerging reality. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print April 10, 2025:e1-e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308016).