Recent articles
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Democratic Innovations as a Tool to Restore Trust and Citizens’ Participation: A Comparison between Stakeholder Groups in Italy
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract Recent changes in European countries have stimulated the search for multilevel policy interventions to restore citizens’ trust and engagement, focusing specifically on democratic innovations. Our paper presents the results of a survey conducted in 2025 as part of the Horizon TRUEDEM project, focusing on the views of civil society organisations’ leaders and activists on the Italian case. Despite positive experiences, such as local initiatives and referendums, the paper highlights the...
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The Effect of Collective Narcissism, Populism and Trust of Older Adults on Conspiracy Mentality: Evidence from Poland
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract The article examines the impact of collective narcissism, trust and populism on conspiracy mentality among citizens aged 65 and older in Poland. Understanding their behaviours and attitudes is crucial for at least two reasons. First, demographic shifts are leading to a growing proportion of seniors in European societies. Second, as life expectancy increases, older adults remain socially and politically active for longer. This article presents findings from two waves of a longitudinal...
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Personality Traits, Trust in Institutions and Interpersonal Relationships Insights from Slovakia
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract This paper examines the association between personality traits and trust. In this paper, trust is divided into two types: interpersonal and institutional. Both are fundamental for cohesion, reduction of social fragmentation, effective governance and institutional legitimacy. The literature primarily identifies personal experience and anticipated adherence to norms as key drivers of trust. In this context, understanding whether and how personality influences trust is crucial, as trust may be...
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The Political and Economic Context Contributing to the Problem of Political (Dis)Trust in Slovenia
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract The article analyses the political and economic context of the growing distrust in politics in Slovenia over the last 15 years. Focus is given to the changes in the power relations, policy changes and roles of different national and international institutions. It is established that the fundamental element of the specific class trade-off which underpinned the broader political legitimacy from the early 1990s up until 2008 – a strong welfare state and low economic inequalities – was...
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Democratic Innovations in Central and Eastern Europe – The Perspective of Policymakers and Civil Society Organisations
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract Political representation and democracy in several European countries have faced considerable challenges in recent decades. Especially worrying are the decline in electoral turnout and party membership, along with the decline in political trust and growing dissatisfaction with the functioning of representative democracy. These are all linked to the quality of democracy. Many scholars believe that a possible solution to such problems is democratic innovations, largely due to their...
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Artificial Intelligence and Political Trust
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract This article is based on understanding political trust as a relational concept. In the frame of liberal democratic thought, the article refers to the relationship between citizens and political institutions, and the role played by political trust as the crucial glue that holds it together, thereby enabling the democratic political system to function successfully. Based on a narrative literature review, we have developed a conceptual model that illustrates the complex relationship...
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Engagement or Expression? A Comparative Study of Facebook Politics in Twelve European Countries
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract This article examines how citizens engage with political actors on Facebook across twelve European countries, focusing on the nature and intensity of user interaction. Drawing on a dataset of over 70,000 Facebook comments on posts by national-level political leaders, we conduct a comparative content analysis to categorise digital expressions such as clicktivism, civic engagement or political participation. We also assess how political actors use Facebook to promote interaction and...
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Editorial: Political Trust, the Challenges Faced by Democracies, and Democratic Innovations
(Volume 21, Issue 3)Abstract This special issue focuses on trust in political institutions, the challenges faced by democracies, and democratic innovations. Modern representative democracies encounter multiple challenges and criticisms associated with the quality of democracy and representation. Even though public opinion polls reveal a long-term trend of decline or low levels of trust in the most important representative bodies and satisfaction with the functioning of democracy, citizens still believe that...