A Research Agenda for Political Trust

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary.

This timely book sets out an agenda for social science research on political trust, confronting contemporary conceptual, theoretical, and empirical problems. It grapples with the breakdown of reliance on political systems in democratic societies, exploring why many people perceive politicians and public administrators as corrupt and unconcerned about the public interest and with what consequences.



Expert authors present a concise overview of political trust, providing empirical and conceptual contributions with global coverage. They demonstrate how citizens' beliefs about their governments and leaders can impact the resilience, breakdown, or emergence of democracy. Chapters examine how politicians are seen as unwilling to address urgent problems ranging from global climate change to local poverty and social injustices. Authors investigate political support and institutional confidence through the lens of wavering trust and the increase of autocratic regimes. Guiding future scholarship, this book addresses important questions and indicates key avenues for research.



A Research Agenda for Political Trust is a vital resource for scholars and students of political theory and public policy, as well as sociology and the broader social sciences. Practitioners and policymakers in regulation, governance and public administration and management will also benefit from its valuable insights.