Articles by Ben Seyd

June 18, 2025

Is democracy being eroded from within?

Ben Seyd
Declining public trust in political institutions raises concerns that citizens may turn away from democratic forms of decision-making. Recent cases of democratic backsliding seem to confirm this fear. Yet, as Ben Seyd argues, there is little evidence that declining trust impels citizens to embrace autocratic forms of decision-making
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April 27, 2022

Coronavirus restrictions: fear is no substitute for trust

Ben Seyd
Can policymakers expect people to comply with official health restrictions out of fear rather than because they trust the government? Ben Seyd suggests the answer is no. Governments still need trust to motivate citizens to comply with important collective rules.
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photograph of Ben Seyd
Ben Seyd
Senior Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent

Ben teaches in the fields of public opinion and political behaviour.

His research focuses on political trust, democratic attitudes and electoral behaviour.

Personal website

Trust: How Citizens View Political Institutions

Trust: How Citizens View Political Institutions
Oxford University Press, 2024

The Loop

Cutting-edge analysis showcasing the work of the political science discipline at its best.
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THE EUROPEAN CONSORTIUM FOR POLITICAL RESEARCH
Advancing Political Science
© 2025 European Consortium for Political Research. The ECPR is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) number 1167403 ECPR, Harbour House, 6-8 Hythe Quay, Colchester, CO2 8JF, United Kingdom.
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