Navigating Trust, Journalism, and Health in the Age of Populism

‘In a time of post-truth, it is necessary to understand how societies overcome epistemological, political and other divisions. In his study of a vaccine scandal in the Philippines, Mendoza provides a superb analysis about why trust is important for understanding post-truth and disinformation, and for studying why communication is essential to rebuilding relationships between governments, health experts, and the public. The book is packed with valuable insights and grounded in solid theoretical foundations. It should be of interest to scholars across communication studies.’ Silvio Waisbord, Professor of Media and Public Affairs, School of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University ‘In a time marked by epistemic uncertainty and surging populist sentiment, Navigating Trust offers a timely and incisive analysis of the Dengvaxia vaccine scandal, illuminating how relational trust, institutional legitimacy, and media dynamics shape public health responses—and offering critical insights for understanding democratic fragility.’ Sheila S. Coronel, Toni Stabile Professor of Professional Practice in Investigative Journalism Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University ‘Navigating Trust offers a compelling account of the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy, illustrating how political resentment, media narratives, and institutional failures shaped public perception and state response. Rich in insight and empirically grounded, this book is essential reading for those interested in trust, governance, and the sociology of communication.’ Randolf S. David, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of the Philippines Diliman ‘A powerful and timely interrogation of public trust, Navigating Trust masterfully weaves political psychology, media critique, and care ethics to illuminate the moral ruptures of health governance in the Global South.’ Antonio P. Contreras, Professor of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños