3 QUESTIONS | 3 MINUTES with Elif Güney Menderes

1. In your experience, what role does trust play in building resilient communities during times of uncertainty, and how can leaders foster trust in today’s rapidly changing world?

“Antonio Gramsci described moments of uncertainty as ‘times of monsters’ when the old world is dying and the new struggles to be born. In today’s rapidly changing world, many countries navigate this liminal space, facing rising social polarisation, economic disruptions, and political instability. Trust is essential in this context; it is a stabilising force and a source of hope. However, the erosion of trust poses a severe threat to social cohesion. Leaders must actively foster trust to prevent fear from taking root, as fear tends to fuel authoritarianism and populist responses. This requires transparency, inclusive dialogue, and consistent actions that demonstrate integrity. Trust cannot be built overnight; it requires meaningful engagement and empowerment at all levels of society. In uncertain times, trust offers more than stability. It enables communities to hope, organise, and move forward with resilience, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for positive transformation.”

2. How do you believe social and political institutions can rebuild trust with the public, especially when scepticism and misinformation are so prevalent?

“In an era of scepticism and misinformation, restoring trust between institutions and the public requires more than reactive measures. It requires a deliberate shift from fear-based to hope-based communication. Fear-driven narratives amplify divisions and fuel populist tendencies, whereas hope-based communication fosters unity, inclusion, and resilience. Institutions need to prioritize transparency and engage in open, consistent dialogue beyond surface-level interactions. This involves authentically addressing public concerns and emphasizing shared goals and solutions that inspire collective action. Trust is built when communication shifts from transactional to participatory, and institutions invite citizens to co-create policies and solutions, giving them a sense of ownership over outcomes. Hope-based communication reframes challenges as opportunities, stimulating individuals and communities to see beyond short-term crises toward long-term, positive change. In such an environment, institutions can demonstrate that collaboration makes progress possible. Trust flourishes when citizens feel empowered and heard and see tangible results. This approach offers a path forward for institutions seeking to rebuild public trust amid uncertainty, fostering a shared vision for the future.”

3. Have you observed any significant shifts in how people view trust, both in each other and in authority figures, over recent years, particularly during periods of crisis or uncertainty?

“We all have either normalised crises or learned to live permanently in crisis mode. This shift profoundly impacts how trust is built and eroded, both among individuals and toward authority figures. My personal experience with the 2023 and 2024 elections in Türkiye highlights this transformation. With political polarisation at its peak, traditional institutions struggled to maintain credibility, driving many citizens to seek alternatives in social media, even conspiracy narratives, or even give up political participation completely. As scepticism grows, people increasingly rely on informal networks, searching for meaning and coherence in uncertain times. Trust thrives when individuals feel empowered and included, particularly during moments of crisis. To navigate the future, institutions need to rethink engagement strategies, fostering participatory environments where citizens feel included. Trust in today’s landscape is not granted by authority alone; it emerges through relationships built on authenticity and collaboration. Only through these efforts can institutions rebuild trust and offer hope amid the turbulence of ongoing crises.“