Book launch: Handbook on Trust in Public Governance

The STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence aims to teach, research and disseminate knowledge on the dynamics, causes and effects of trust between the actors and institutions involved in EU multi-level governance of sustainable development. In this context, STRATEGO is pleased to co-host the online book launch of the Edward Elgar Handbook on Trust in Public Governance co-edited by Frédérique Six, Joseph A. Hamm, Dominika Latusek, Esther van Zimmeren, and Koen Verhoest. The Handbook on Trust in Public Governance (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2025) explores the transformative power of trust for relations within and between governments, parliaments and politicians, administrations and regulatory agencies, courts, societal actors and citizens. Adopting a multi-actor and multi-level perspective, it highlights the centrality of trust in enhancing the resilience, effectiveness and legitimacy of current governance systems. The Handbook's introductory chapter "Trust in public governance: scoping the field" is available in open access and can be downloaded here.

This comprehensive volume features multiple chapters co-authored by our very own STRATEGO members, highlighting their significant contributions to the field. 

• Chapter 1: Trust in public governance: scoping the field authored by Latusek, D., Hamm, J. A., Op de Beeck, S., de, Ropp, J., Six, F., Zimmeren, E. van, & Verhoest, K. [available in open access]
• Chapter 11: Trust in courts and judicial systems: a conceptual and methodological review authored by Glavina, M., & van Zimmeren, E.
• Chapter 14: Trust dynamics in federal systems authored by Popelier, P., & Bursens, P.
• Chapter 22: Trust and regulation authored by Verhoest, K., Redert, B., Maggetti, M., Levi-Faur, D., & Jordana, J. 
• Chapter 25: Trust, control and motivation in public organisations authored by Bentzen, T. Ø., Six, F., & Op de Beeck, S.

​The online book launch is part of the GOVTRUST Webinar Series, co-hosted by the GOVTRUST Centre of Excellence and the STRATEGO Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence at University of Antwerp, the TRUSST Lab at Michigan State University, the Centre for Trust Studies at Kozminski University, and VU Amsterdam.

Webinar programme

• 16:30 | Welcome by Prof. Koen Verhoest, coordinator of the GOVTRUST Centre of Excellence (University of Antwerp)
• 16:35 | Introduction to the EE Handbook on Trust in Public Governance by Prof. Frédérique Six (VU Amsterdam)
• 16:45 | Highlights from the Handbook's introductory chapter "Trust in public governance: scoping the field" by Prof. Dominika Latusek (Kozminksi University)​
• 17:00 | Key takeaways and inspiring insights from the Handbook’s chapters by Frédérique Six, Joseph A. Hamm, Esther van Zimmeren, and Koen Verhoest
• 17:25 | Q&A

Practical information

• Date & time – Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 16:30 - 17:30h CET
• Venue – Online, via the Microsoft Teams platform.
• Registration – Registration has closed.