Desires of technocracy in pandemic times: A multilevel study

Objectives. We aimed to predict the favor for a technocratic government in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method. We tested a multilevel mediated moderated model on the ResPOnsE COVID-19 dataset (rolling cross-section design, quota sample of the Italian adult population, N = 8,210, data collected from March 17 to June 16, 2021). Results. Subjective vulnerability to COVID-19 showed a positive relationship with trust in science and scientists, which, in turn, had a positive relationship with favor for a technocratic government, particularly among participants who had low trust in the Italian Parliament. The prevalence of COVID-19 (measured at Level-2, with data nested by day of data collection) also showed a positive association with favor for a technocratic government. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic may have jeopardized representative democracy: the objective and subjective threats it triggered favor trust in science and scientists that, when combined with a low level of trust toward political institutions, fosters the desire for a technocratic government.