‘Maltrust’: understanding trust in illiberal contexts
Turkish Studies, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/14683849.2026.2715057
- Journal Name: Turkish Studies
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Historical Abstracts, Index Islamicus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index, MLA International Bibliography, Political Science Abstract (IPSA), Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: democratic backsliding, maltrust, notions of democracy, Trust, Turkey
- TED University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Political trust is often treated as a democratic asset. In backsliding regimes, however, it can shield contested institutions from accountability. This article introduces maltrust: normatively insulated confidence in institutions whose procedural commitments are disputed. Using national survey data from Turkey, it examines trust in the Supreme Election Council (YSK). Liberal-democratic commitments predict lower trust among opposition supporters but not among government supporters, whose confidence remains comparatively high. The findings suggest that trust can become detached from procedural evaluation and provide partisan insulation for contested institutions, thereby helping sustain democratic backsliding.