Soldiers, civilians, and democracy: post-Franco Spain in comparative perspective

Abstract

As one of the first countries to have successfully completed the transition from authoritarianism to stable democracy, Spain provides an excellent case study, with valuable lessons for many Latin American, southern European, and eastern European nations that are either making the transition from authoritarian to democratic rule or consolidating the transition in a stable regime. Focusing on the case of Spain after Franco's death, this book identifies the important factors, phases and negotiating points that contributed to Spain's success, including the monarch's intervention as head and symbol of the Spanish state. It also explains precisely what civilian leaders did to keep the military in check while the process of stabilization took place. It then sets Spain in the larger context of democratization in Latin America and Southern Europe, thereby further refining transition theory. This book should be of interest to political scientists and to sociologists who study democratization and European and Latin American politics.

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