Why Trust is Essential to Democracy

A Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau Event

In this talk, discover the “three verbs” of trust: bonding, bridging, and breaking, and get a foundational overview of how trust operates within democratic societies.

Throughout the world, democratic institutions and norms are eroding. Why? At the core of this breakdown, argues political scientist Jacob S. Lewis, is a deeper crisis of trust. Trust, which builds slowly, can be destroyed quickly—and is very hard to resurrect.

In this talk, discover the “three verbs” of trust: bonding, bridging, and breaking, and get a foundational overview of how trust operates within democratic societies. How can we work to rebuild trust together and create a stronger democratic future?

About the presenter: Jacob S. Lewis is an associate professor in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs at Washington State University. His research focuses on the relationship between trust, conflict, and democracy. His work has been published in the Journal of Peace Research, Political Behavior, Political Psychology, Political Geography, Social Movement Studies, the Journal of Conflict Resolution, and more.

This is a Humanities WA Speakers Bureau event. This talk is presented in partnership with The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, which educates citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affairs, and is based at Washington State University. For more information, visit The Foley Institute’s website.

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