Abstract

It is no longer controversial to observe the decline in trust in political institutions, political actors and in others more generally. Yet, trust still seems central to democratic political stability and efficiency. If distrust is on the rise ? and it certainly appears that it is ? we therefore have good reasons to worry about the quality of our democracies. This essay begins by evaluating the relationship between trust and distrust (since they are not, strictly speaking, opposites), as well as the causes and consequences of widespread distrust. Its main contribution is a critical evaluation of proposed methods to curb distrust and build trust. Research into developing these methods, and in articulating the principles that underpin them, is still in its infancy, and it is clear that there is no agreement with respect to the best approaches to trust?building in environments characterized by distrust. Yet, clear steps towards thinking through and developing effective methods and strategies are being taken, and deserve to be applauded