Trust

Trust is a complex phenomenon that is based on the premise of relying on entities that are beyond one's control: ‘when one trusts, one is accepting vulnerability’ (Citrin & Stoker, 2018: 50). Trust is defined as the combination of three dimensions that are necessary and sufficient: perceived competence, benevolence, and honesty (Grimmelikhuijsen & Knies, 2017). Accordingly, trust is, per se, a relational phenomenon that includes two subjects, a truster (A) and a trustee (B) where A expects B to behave in a certain way (X) (Cartens, 2023). This process involves a sense of confidence in someone or something (actors, institutions, or processes), and the expectation that they will fulfil their obligations in a predictable manner. When exploring the concept of trust within the political realm, ‘trust’ can be conceptualized as the level of confidence or belief that citizens have in their government institutions, political parties, and leaders to act in their best interests and carry out their responsibilities effectively and fairly (Van Der Meer & Dekker, 2011).