Law and psychology scholar, Yuval Feldman, explores a central paradox in modern governance: why governments rely on coercion and punishment when voluntary cooperation often produces better, more sustainable outcomes.

In his forthcoming book Can the Public Be Trusted? The Promise and Perils of Voluntary Compliance, he examines how trust-based approaches could help solve major challenges facing governments today, from tax compliance and pandemic responses to environmental protection.

Drawing on evidence from law, psychology, and behavioural economics, Feldman presents cases from diverse policy contexts worldwide, demonstrating when citizens willingly cooperate versus when they comply out of fear.

Join us as we discuss Feldman's ideas on designing regulations that balance government authority with public partnership and explore the practical steps needed to realise their potential in the UK, helping build more effective governance and respond to persistent challenges of compliance and enforcement.

Speakers:

• Yuval Feldman, Mori Lazarof Professor of Legal Research, Bar-Ilan University
• Elisabeth Costa, Chief of Innovation and Partnerships, Behavioural Insights Team
• Michael Sanders, Director, School for Government, the Policy Institute at King's College London
• Sanchayan Banerjee, Associate Professor of Economics & Public Policy, the Policy Institute at King's College London (chair)