Public Policy "NEWS"

Bridging the Divide: How to Rebuild Trust in Democracy Trust is vital for democracy – trust in institutions, a rules-based system, and, most of all, trust among citizens. Yet for years now, and increasing in recent times, thick layers of mistrust have formed that threaten to erode the very pillars of democratic societies. Disinformation, political polarization, and feelings of disenfranchisement have led to negative social-trust trends across the West. The essence of the problem and the long-term solutions to restore trust in our societies are broad, not narrow. The viral spread of disinformation has become one of the most urgent. We need to tackle false news, output by domestic and foreign propaganda machines that create social divisions, erode public faith in institutions, and sow suspicion. More outstanding media literacy education is the minimum starting point to help citizens navigate information flows and separate the reliable from the unreliable. Fact-checking operations need