Introduction: Trust, happiness, and the history of European political thought

In political and public discourse, debates concerning trust and fidelity, happiness and well-being, social contract and social capital, and the connections between them, have intensified over the past two decades. Broadly speaking, the legitimacy of political institutions continues to be regarded as dependent on the extent of their commitment to the ‘happiness’ of citizens and on the amount of ‘trust’ citizens hold regarding the ability and willingness of political leaders to work for the attainment of the material, spiritual, and cultural welfare of the generality of the people whose allegiance they claim. Further, besides cementing the relationship of governments and the citizenry, mutual trust and cooperation are also recognized as a principal means of securing unity of purpose among various governmental and non-governmental agencies tasked with promoting happiness, social cohesion, and solidarity.