This episode reviews the history of unethical human subject experimentation from World War II to the present, focusing on physicians who compromised their professional ethics and facilitated the rise of demagogues and the perpetuation of militarism. I discuss how the cooptation of an influential professional class by dictators and elected (but corrupt and secretive) rulers is necessary for such rulers to maintain and extend their authority, wage war, and carry out ruthless crimes against humanity. I review the development of standards of ethical human subject experimentation, describe ongoing abuses, and warn of history repeating itself under President Trump and other right-wing demagogues currently holding power.
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- KBOO