Trust and corruption: Two Brazilian challenges

This contribution aims to develop a research agenda centred on two concepts which pose a significant challenge to contemporary Brazil: trust (specifically, low generalised trust) and corruption. Both of these pose serious challenges to the socio-economic development of Brazil. What is more, low generalised trust and high levels of corruption are liable to amplify each other, leading to vicious cycles. This contribution outlines a number of research questions which can help explore these problematic connections. Above all, however, because issues of trust and corruption are likely to pervade key relationships and problems in development and governance, it is hoped that research on these concepts can combine with and help enrich other studies of Brazil's socio-economic development.