The U.S. Transhumanist Party (USTP) is a political organization in the United States dedicated to advocating for policies and technologies that promote human enhancement and the transcendence of biological limitations. Established in 2014 by futurist and philosopher Zoltan Istvan, the party seeks to advance transhumanist principles, including life extension, the use of science and technology for human progress, and the ethical application of emerging technologies.

History

The USTP was founded to provide a platform for transhumanist ideas within the political sphere. Zoltan Istvan launched the party during his 2016 presidential campaign, which brought significant media attention to transhumanism. While the party did not achieve ballot access in most states, its campaign succeeded in raising awareness of transhumanist priorities.

In subsequent years, leadership of the party transitioned to figures such as Gennady Stolyarov II, who emphasized intellectual development and policy articulation. Under Stolyarov’s leadership, the USTP published a detailed "Transhumanist Bill of Rights," outlining the philosophical and policy goals of the movement.

Core Ideology

The U.S. Transhumanist Party’s platform revolves around the promotion of scientific progress to improve the human condition. Its principles align with transhumanist ideals, including:

• Life Extension: Advocating for research into medical technologies to combat aging and extend human lifespans.

• Technological Advancement: Supporting the ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and other transformative technologies.

• Moral and Social Progress: Promoting equal access to advanced technologies, enhancing global sustainability, and reducing human suffering through innovation.

• Personal Freedom: Emphasizing individual autonomy, particularly in decisions related to body modification and the integration of technology into human biology.

Transhumanist Bill of Rights

First proposed in 2015 and refined under Stolyarov’s leadership, the Transhumanist Bill of Rights is a foundational document that asserts:

1. The right to indefinite life extension.

2. The right to physical and cognitive enhancement.

3. Equal access to technologies that improve the human experience.

4. Protections against the misuse of technology to harm individuals or society.

This document serves as a declaration of transhumanist values and a blueprint for legislative advocacy.

Activities and Campaigns

The USTP operates primarily as an educational and advocacy organization, leveraging media outreach, public events, and partnerships to promote its ideas. Although its electoral success has been limited, the party participates in political discourse to influence public opinion and policy-making.

Presidential Campaigns

The party’s first major campaign was Zoltan Istvan’s 2016 run, where he traveled the country in the "Immortality Bus," a symbol of the movement’s aspirations for life extension. In 2020, the USTP endorsed Johann Benediktsson as its presidential candidate, emphasizing continuity of its futuristic agenda.

Policy Advocacy

The USTP supports policies including:

• Increased funding for scientific research.

• Deregulation of experimental treatments, particularly for life-threatening conditions.

• Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a response to automation and workforce disruption.

• Legal protections for cognitive liberty and morphological freedom.

Criticism and Challenges

The U.S. Transhumanist Party faces skepticism from both mainstream political entities and the broader public. Critics often raise concerns about:

• Ethical Implications: Fears about unequal access to advanced technologies and the potential for exacerbating social inequalities.

• Feasibility: Doubts regarding the practicality of achieving goals like indefinite life extension.

• Political Marginalization: The party’s limited voter base and lack of representation in government hinder its ability to enact policy changes.

Despite these challenges, the USTP continues to advocate for its vision of a technologically advanced and equitable future.

Global Context

The USTP is part of a broader international transhumanist movement, with affiliated organizations in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Russia. This network fosters global collaboration on transhumanist goals, including ethical frameworks for emerging technologies and international cooperation in scientific research.