Author(s): Ioana CHIȚĂ
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Document type: Journal article
Publication date: June 30, 2026
Pagination: 5-52
Issue/ Volume: 1 (35)/2026
DOI: 10.66766/RISR.2026.1.01
Abstract:
This article examines the role of public trust as a potential mechanism for
preventing societal radicalization, with a particular focus on the national Danish model
for preventing radicalization and violet extremism. The present study employs an
instrumental case study methodology selected because the research question concerns a
complex, context-dependent phenomenon that cannot be meaningfully examined through
variable-based quantitative approaches alone. Denmark was chosen as the unit of
analysis on the grounds that it represents a paradigmatic case of institutionalized trust-
based prevention, offering theoretically transferable insights for low-trust societies. Data
were drawn from policy documents, academic literature, and comparative institutional
analyses, and were examined through a qualitative thematic framework linking trust,
social cohesion, and radicalization prevention.
Public trust—defined as citizens’ confidence in governmental and public
institutions—has been increasingly recognized as a key factor in fostering social cohesion
and resilience against extremist ideologies. By exploring the relationship between public
trust, social cohesion and the processes that contribute to radicalization, this article aims
to investigate whether promoting greater trust in the public sphere can serve as an
effective preventive measure against social radicalization, polarization and violent
extremism in low trust societies. In this context, the aim of the article is to analyze whether
there are any lessons to be learned from high trust societies in order to address the socio-
political factors that favor the emergence of radical ideologies and behaviors in societies
with low trust, such as Romania.
Keywords: radicalization, violent extremism, public trust, preventing radicalization,
societal radicalization
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