The Trust Gap: Where Distrust Is a Problem, Where It’s Not, and Why That Matters
May 2026 · Policy Press
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About this ebook
The idea that a wave of distrust has swept over established democracies in recent years is commonly accepted. This book presents a contrary view. Drawing on various datasets, it reveals a disconnect between the popular commentary and the empirical reality.
The Trust Gap suggests that the most extreme cases — such as the US and the UK — distort our thinking about trust. It looks beyond trust in government to examine trust in a range of institutions, including courts, universities and the media. In doing so, it suggests that while countries such as the US do face a crisis of trust, many established democracies demonstrate resilience rather than vulnerability.
Using the framework of trust gaps, this book offers a stocktake on the state of trust in the 21st century, contributing a more nuanced and hopeful account than the headlines suggest.
The idea that a wave of distrust has swept over established democracies in recent years is commonly accepted. This book presents a contrary view. Drawing on various datasets, it reveals a disconnect between the popular commentary and the empirical reality.
The Trust Gap suggests that the most ext...
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About the author
Aaron Martin is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of two books, Young People and Politics and, with Keith Dowding, Policy Agendas in Australia, and has published widely on public opinion and political behaviour.
Aaron Martin is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of two books, Young People and Politics and, with Keith Dowding, Policy Agendas in Australia, and has published widely on public opinion and political behaviour.
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