The Politics of Spain (Cambridge Textbooks in Comparative Politics) - Softcover

Gunther, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521604001 ISBN 13: 9780521604000

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review:

'Meticulously researched and cogently argued, this new study is essential reading for anyone interested in grasping the intricacies and dynamics of Spain's contemporary political landscape.' Chris Ealham, Social Sciences and Humanities, Saint Louis University, Madrid

'Two distinguished scholars, one American and one Spanish, known for their extensive and outstanding work on Spanish politics, have joined to produce an extremely readable, informed, up-to-date textbook on Spanish politics in theoretical and comparative perspective. A book for students not only of Spain, but of European and comparative politics.' Juan J. Linz, Sterling Professor Emeritus of Political and Social Science, Yale University

'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

Book Description:

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521604001
• ISBN 13: 9780521604000
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 278