Amid the global pandemic and efforts to quickly develop a safe and effective vaccine, a recent survey found that trust in scientists is fairly high in much of the world. However, the survey also found that trust in national governments, news media and businesses — all important actors in efforts to help societies manage and overcome the pandemic — is low.
Overall, surveys have found that trust in institutions have been in decline in many places, particularly in developed economies that have experienced growing levels of economic inequality.
A recent survey of 20 countries by the Pew Research Center found that strong majorities in all the countries had “a lot” or “some” faith in scientists “to do what is right.” This is encouraging at a time when medical science is necessary to combat the pandemic, and when science is critical to addressing environmental and other concerns.
European respondents were particularly likely to trust scientists. Across the survey, people with higher levels of education also were more likely to trust scientists. However, the survey results found an ideological divide in some countries — notably the US, Canada, Australia and the UK — with those on the left of the political spectrum significantly more likely to trust scientists than those on the right.
Among other institutions, the Pew survey found that the military scores particularly well in terms of public trust — with levels similar to scientists. In some countries, such as India, the US, Malaysia and Canada, the public has particularly high trust in the military. Again, there is an ideological divide in some countries, with people on the right of the political spectrum more likely to trust the military than those on the left.
The Pew survey found much lower levels of trust in national governments (with the notable exception of Singapore), news media and businesses. In terms of high levels of trust — trusting an institution “a lot” to do what is right — national governments received a median score of only 13 percent, with the media at 12 percent and businesses at 9 percent.
To some extent these results line up with other research. The 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer, which examined data from 28 markets, also found high levels of trust in scientists (80 percent). Levels of trust in national governments were higher than Pew found but still not impressive, at about 49 percent. It also found only 46 percent of respondents had trust in religious leaders.
News media performed better in the barometer than in the Pew survey, at 49 percent, but this still indicates low levels of trust. The barometer found a much higher level of trust in businesses — 58 percent for businesses in general and 51 percent for CEOs in particular — than the Pew survey.
These two studies have differing approaches to research and cannot be directly compared, but together they offer a broader perspective on global trends in trust.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of two other groups: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multilateral institutions. The public tends to have relatively high levels of trust in and approval for these organizations.
The Edelman barometer found 58 percent trust in NGOs, for example. While not exactly the same as trust, favorability levels for the UN tend to be high in much of the world. A 2019 Pew survey of 32 countries found the median positive view of the UN to be 61 percent, compared with a median negative view of 26 percent.
A Pew survey of 14 countries this summer found high ratings for the UN on issues such as promoting peace and its actions on infectious diseases. The same survey found that 63 percent of respondents said the World Health Organization is doing a good job in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
While many members of the public appreciate the role of scientists, the Pew survey also found that people tend to be skeptical of experts in general. It found a median of 66 percent of respondents thought it is “better to rely on people with practical experience” to solve problems, while a median of 28 percent preferred to rely on people who are considered experts.
These and other studies indicate a worrying global trend of declining trust in institutions. The Edelman barometer also highlighted the fact that, in developed markets, “trust (in national governments) has become uncoupled from GDP growth because people feel they are not getting their fair share of growing prosperity.” That finding is less applicable to developing markets in Asia and the Middle East but it represents an important trend in some parts of the world.
Leaders who want to stop a decline in trust need to take critical actions, such as combating corruption, addressing economic inequality, enhancing education and improving transparency.
Kerry Boyd Anderson
Research on trust in institutions also highlights the effects of corruption. The Edelman barometer notes that trust often reflects perceptions of an institution’s competence and ethics, and notes that research suggests ethics are especially important. When the public perceives that governments, businesses or other institutions are corrupt or unethical, it badly erodes trust.
When trust in institutions — just like trust in people — breaks down, it is very difficult to rebuild. Yet, it is essential. Populations that trust governments are more likely to embrace policies such as measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Those that trust scientists are more likely to follow public-health advice. Those that trust businesses are more likely to be enthusiastic investors, consumers and employees. Populations that trust multilateral institutions are more likely to encourage their governments to engage in international cooperation.
Leaders who want to stop a decline in trust need to take critical actions, such as combating corruption, addressing economic inequality, enhancing education and improving transparency.
- Kerry Boyd Anderson is a writer and political risk consultant with more than 16 years of experience as a professional analyst of international security issues and Middle East political and business risk. Her previous positions include deputy director for advisory with Oxford Analytica and managing editor of Arms Control Today. Twitter: @KBAresearch
