ABSTRACT
The chapter begins with a monologue about a politician recognizing a deceitful path in politics and endorsing a form of political cynicism. The chapter includes the recognition that trust in government and politicians is multilevel and multidimensional. The chapter reviews the research on trust in the government system, trust in politicians, and the factors contributing to the trustworthiness of politicians. The applied focus is on Brexit and a second referendum, and it culminates in a discussion of whether the observed declines in trust and trustworthiness in politics and government would undermine democracy in Western countries.
