Threat perceptions, blame attribution, and political trust

Under what conditions do threat perceptions lead to an increasing distrust in government? This article argues that the answer is degree of ease with which a perceived can be linked governmental actors. First, I argue threats directed toward society should more easily by citizens domestic government compared individual (general linkage). Second, citizen’s general political stance strongly affects their attitude actors negative ways (heuristic Third, expect further increase if latter’s are blamed for salient citizens’ ideological worldviews (blame attribution). Empirical tests using self-administered survey- and experimental data corroborate argument. In closing discuss implications theoretical empirical setup, emphasizing need future studies on blame attribution, heuristic linkages, trust.