Trust Assumption Realism

Definition ∞ Trust assumption realism evaluates whether the underlying assumptions about trust in a cryptographic system or decentralized protocol are genuinely achievable and sustainable in real-world conditions. This assessment considers the practical likelihood of participants acting honestly or the feasibility of maintaining specific security parameters. It critically examines whether theoretical security models align with operational realities and potential attack vectors. The concept helps identify vulnerabilities.
Context ∞ Trust assumption realism is a fundamental analytical framework in evaluating the security and decentralization claims of new blockchain projects and digital asset protocols. News and research frequently scrutinize the practical implications of a system’s trust model, particularly concerning consensus mechanisms or cross-chain bridges. A mismatch between assumed and actual trust can expose systems to significant risks and compromise their integrity.