This Handbook explores the transformative power of trust for relations within and between governments, parliaments and politicians, administrations and regulatory agencies, courts, societal actors and citizens. Adopting a multi-actor and multi-level perspective, it highlights the centrality of trust in enhancing the resilience, effectiveness and legitimacy of current governance systems.

Bringing together a cross-disciplinary team of experts, the Handbook examines the causes, dynamics and effects of trust and distrust in public governance. Authors illustrate the complex interplay between (dis)trust, vulnerability, transparency, power, regulation and control in an era characterised by fluid and inclusive forms of government that require collaboration and a functional balance between trust and distrust to operate. They cover key topics including among others, participation, networks, contracting, technology, crisis governance, and trust reparation. Ultimately, the Handbook explores how to expand the boundaries of future research, and demonstrates that fostering reciprocal relations of functional trust is a fundamental principle of effective governance.

The Handbook on Trust in Public Governance is an essential read for students and scholars of public administration and management, political science, policy studies, and public governance. It is also a key resource for policy-makers and government officials seeking to craft strategies that enhance governance legitimacy and resilience.