Institutional Trust, Civic Engagement, and Democratic Stability in Post-Conflict and Transitional Societies
Keywords:
Institutional Trust, Civic Engagement, Democratic Resilience, Post-Conflict States, Transitional Societies, Democratic Stability, Governance, Civil SocietyAbstract
The resilience of democratic institutions in post-conflict and transitional societies hinges on the interplay between institutional trust and civic engagement. In the wake of rising authoritarian tendencies, disinformation campaigns, and institutional fragmentation observed globally, understanding how civic trust influences democratic sustainability is critical. This paper analyzes the interdependent roles of institutional trust and civic engagement in stabilizing democracies emerging from conflict. Drawing on literature and current empirical trends, we explore mechanisms by which trust deficits can erode democratic institutions and how grassroots civic engagement can foster resilience. A comparative synthesis highlights patterns across case studies in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkans, and Southeast Asia. Recommendations are offered for strengthening institutions through participatory governance.
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