The Politics of Spain

A landmark textbook which explains modern Spain's transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and the nature of its politics today.

Richard Gunther (Author), José Ramón Montero (Author)

9780521604000, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 22 January 2009

278 pages, 11 b/w illus. 12 maps 26 tables
24.1 x 17.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.56 kg

'An up-to-date and balanced analysis of some of the key issues which explain the recent evolution of politics in Spain following the country's recovery of democracy and its integration into the European Union. After giving a historical and constitutional overview, Gunther and Montero focus on political parties, elections, and public policies, as well as on this atypical multi-level system of governance that is the 'Estado de las autonomías'. This book is certain to become a major academic reference work for any reader interested in the Spanish political system and its evolution.' Ferran Requejo, Professor of Political Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona

Spain's evolution from authoritarian dictatorship to modern democracy was a remarkable achievement, and it created a model that has since been emulated by other countries undergoing similar transitions. Yet its success raised a question that perplexes experts to this day: how and why did a successful democracy emerge in the absence of any tradition of democratic stability? This landmark textbook examines the causes and conditions that explain modern Spain's political development, and analyzes the basic characteristics of Spanish democracy today – its core political institutions, its political parties and party systems (both regional and national), and patterns of electoral behaviour. Written by two leading experts in the field, this is a truly indispensable guide for all undergraduate students of Spanish politics, history, society, and culture.

1. The state and democracy in Spain: a historical overview
2. The constitutional framework
3. Multi-level governance: the Estado de las autonomías and the European Union
4. Parties and democratic stability
5. Citizens and politics in Spain
6. Public policies and decision-making processes.

Subject Areas: Comparative politics [JPB], Politics & government [JP]