Analysing the Trust-Transparency Nexus: Multi-level Governance in the UK, France and Germany

Transparency is essential for building and restoring citizen and civil society trust in governance and democracy. This volume explores the relationship between trust and transparency in multi-level governance, highlighting the challenges of delivering this agenda and the paradox that transparency can undermine trust in some instances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The importance of transparency in building and restoring citizen and civil society trust in governance and democracy cannot be overstated. Across Europe, there is a growing recognition of the need for effective forms of citizen engagement and decentralization in policy-making to engage increasingly diverse populations and increase trust. This volume aims to explore the relationship between trust and transparency in the context of multi-level governance. Drawing on fieldwork from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, this comparative analysis examines different efforts to build trust between key actors involved in decision-making at the sub-national level. It outlines the challenges of delivering this agenda and explores the paradox that trust might require transparency, yet in some instances, transparency may undermine trust.

Transparency is essential for building trust between citizens and their government. It allows individuals to understand how decisions are made, who is involved in the process, and how their interests are being represented. When citizens feel that their government is transparent and accountable, they are more likely to trust it and participate in the democratic process.

However, transparency is not always easy to achieve. Governments may be reluctant to share information for fear of compromising their interests or embarrassing themselves. Additionally, complex policy issues can be difficult to explain in simple terms, making it challenging for citizens to understand how decisions are being made.

To address these challenges, governments can take several steps to increase transparency. They can publish more information about their policies and decision-making processes online, hold public meetings and consultations, and engage with citizens through social media and other channels. Governments can also work to improve their communication skills, so that they can explain complex policy issues in a way that is accessible to all citizens.

In addition to increasing transparency, governments can also work to build trust through other means. For example, they can prioritize the needs and interests of their citizens, provide high-quality services, and ensure that their policies are effective and efficient. Governments can also work to address corruption and promote good governance, which can help to build trust and confidence in the government.

In conclusion, transparency is essential for building and restoring citizen and civil society trust in governance and democracy. By taking steps government can increase transparency, build trust through other means, and promote good governance, they can create a more inclusive and responsive political system that is responsive to the needs and interests of all citizens.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447355212