This paper attempts to explain the appeal direct democratic instruments hold for contemporary right-populist parties by drawing on recent experience in Canada. Our thesis is that a particular approach to direct democracy - which we label `plebiscitarianism' - complements right-populist parties' broader ideological commitment to a scaling back of the welfare state, and of public life more generally. Starting with a theoretical approximation of plebiscitarianism, we trace this complementarity with reference to the democratic ideas and practices of right-populists in Canada, both historically and in the present context.
This article examines public support for genomic and modern biotechnological innovations with an eye to developing a general model of public opinion formation in this area. The burgeoning field of genomic science has seen rapid advances in recent years with a host of new applications in medicine, agriculture, and related fields. From genetic testing for hereditary diseases and DNA fingerprinting in criminal cases, to the introduction of genetically modified crops, genetic innovations are transforming our understanding of science and its potential for altering human society. The sequencing of the human genome and breakthroughs in stem cells and cloning research promise to push the frontiers of this science.
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