Distrust, Political Polarization, and America’s Challenged Institutions

What happens when Americans lose trust in institutions once thought of as nonpolitical -- like election administration, police, and science? What does the hardening connection between distrust and political polarization mean for the functioning of society? The Fall 2022 issue of Daedalus, made possible in part by a generous gift from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, explores institutions, experts, and the loss of trust.

This panel discussion featured the issue's guest editors Henry Brady and Kay Lehman Schlozman and authors Tracey Meares and Lee Rainie examining the causes and consequences of the loss of confidence in institutions and the people who lead them.