On Wednesday 11 March, a session of the ISEG Research Seminars will take place from 13.00 to 14.00. The guest speaker will be Patrícia Justino (UNU - WIDER).
The ISEG Research Seminars are held every week on Wednesdays, with the participation of professors from ISEG, as well as from other Portuguese and international educational institutions.
Abstract
This paper examines the erosion of trust as a global phenomenon and explores its implications for social cohesion and governance. Drawing on data from the World Values Survey and regional barometers, the analysis focuses on the two key dimensions of trust-interpersonal and institutional-across different socio-economic and geopolitical contexts. The results reveal a sharp global decline in institutional trust, while interpersonal trust follows a more mixed trajectory. Trust erosion appears particularly pronounced in low-income countries and among younger generations, where it is exacerbated by factors such as inequality, corruption, and political instability. The findings further show that trust levels significantly influence social cohesion, civic engagement, and perceptions of governance. In particular, the analysis identifies a positive correlation between institutional trust and support for economic redistribution, highlighting the role of effective governance in fostering trust. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of institutional reform and international cooperation to rebuild trust-especially in fragile states-in order to strengthen social contracts and promote sustainable development.
