Sammanfattning

Democracies are increasingly under siege. Beyond direct external (e.g., warfare) and internal (e.g., populism, extremism) threats to democratic nations, multiple democracy-weakening factors are converging in our modern world. Brain health challenges, including mental, neurologic, and substance use disorders, social determinants of health, long COVID, undesired effects of technology, mis- and disinformation, and educational, health, and gender disparities, are associated with substantial economic and sociopolitical impediments. Herein, we argue that thriving democracies can distinguish themselves through provision of environments that enable each citizen to achieve their full brain health potential conducive to both personal and societal well-being. Gearing policymaking towards equitable and quality brain health may prove essential to combat brain challenges, promote societal cohesion, and boost economic productivity. We outline emerging policy innovations directed at building “pro-democratic brain health” across individual, communal, national, and international levels. While extensive research is warranted to further validate these approaches, brain health-directed policymaking harbors potential as a novel concept for democracy strengthening.

Nyckelord

Democracy; neuroscience; human rights; brain health; health policy; national security; misinformation

Publicerad i

Brookings Global Working Papers
2022, nummer: 178
Utgivare: Brookings

SLU författare

• Angeler, David

  • Institutionen för vatten och miljö, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Deakin University
  • L’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE)
  • University of Nebraska Lincoln

UKÄ forskningsämne

Neurologi
Tvärvetenskapliga studier


Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/120480