TEDTalks: Trust Me Season 1 Episode 3 Ivan Krastev: Can Democracy Exist Without Trust?

In episode 3 of the first season of TEDTalks: Trust Me, Ivan Krastev examines the vital role of trust in democratic societies. Krastev argues that trust is the foundation upon which flourishing democracies are built and without it, democracies can crumble. In his engaging talk, Ivan Krastev raises important questions about democracy and its essential relationship with trust.

Krastev explains that trust is essential for democracy to function properly, as it gives citizens faith in the democratic process and the institutions that uphold it. However, recent events such as the election of Donald Trump and Brexit have shown that trust in democracy can be easily eroded, leading to a rise in populism and anti-establishment sentiment. Krastev argues that this erosion of trust can create a vicious cycle, where citizens who feel that democracy doesn't represent them begin to withdraw from the electoral process, further diminishing trust in democratic institutions.

Krastev goes on to explain that the erosion of trust in democracy is not just a recent phenomenon. He argues that there has always been a tension between democracy and trust, as democracy requires citizens to place the fate of their communities and nations in the hands of politicians and officials who they may not agree with or even know. This natural tension, Krastev contends, is what makes democracy so fragile, as trust must be constantly built and reinforced.

Throughout his talk, Krastev raises a number of important questions about trust and democracy. He wonders about the role of the media in fostering and reinforcing trust in democratic societies, and how social media has fundamentally altered the way we interact with one another. He also discusses the impact of globalization on democracy and the erosion of trust many citizens feel towards international institutions.

Ultimately, Ivan Krastev's TEDTalk raises important questions about the current state of democracy and the role of trust in maintaining healthy democratic societies. Krastev's insights into the complexities of trust and democracy offer important lessons for politicians, policymakers, and citizens alike. Whether you're interested in politics, history, or philosophy, Krastev's talk is a must-watch for anyone who wants to better understand the challenges facing democracy today.