This study examines trust in political institutions using data from surveys in nine former Soviet countries conducted in 2001 and in 2010/2011. Four hypotheses, micro and macro cultural and institutional, are tested. A measure of generalised trust in state institutions is compared across countries, alongside interpersonal trust, to examine the macro-theories. A multi-level analysis, using both individual variables from the survey, and aggregate variables, such as press freedom, examines the micro-theories. The study confirms earlier findings that levels of trust in state institutions are low in a number of post-communist countries, although levels are increasing in some between 2001 and 2010/2011. The findings support the micro-theories, but unlike previous research that did not use a multi-level approach, they provide support for macro-institutional theory. The time dimension suggests that with committed action to enhance the performance of state institutions governments may be able to improve the levels of trust. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis.