Assuming that trust in nations is a function of a nation’s image, it is explored why citizens of one nation trust other nations. The underlying factors for the development of a nation’s image and its ascribed trustworthiness are seen in its cultural spheres and in its economic strength, but also in its moral conduct. Using data from the European Election Study, the European Values Survey, and Eurostat, multi-level fixed effects are conducted to test this hypothesis. Looking at Europe, it is analyzed whether and to what extent a nation’s political, societal, economic, and moral features influence its assumed trustworthiness. Results indicate that the ascribed transnational trustworthiness of nations can be interpreted as an outcome of admiration, which occurs if all of these features work together to create a positive image. Surprisingly, cultural excellence and moral standards seem to bear more weight than economic performance.
