The Politics of Spain [Hardcover]

A landmark textbook which explains modern Spain's transition from authoritarianism to democracy, and the nature of its politics today.A landmark textbook which examines the causes and conditions that explain modern Spain's transition from authoritarianism to democracy. Written by two leading experts in the field, this is an indispensable guide for undergraduate students of Spanish politics, history, society and culture.A landmark textbook which examines the causes and conditions that explain modern Spain's transition from authoritarianism to democracy. Written by two leading experts in the field, this is an indispensable guide for undergraduate students of Spanish politics, history, society and culture.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 autonom?as and the European Union; 4. Parties and democratic stability; 5. Citizens and politics in Spain; 6. Public policies and decision-making processes.Meticulously researched and cogently argued, this new study is essential reading for anyone interested in grasping the intricacies and dyl£!