Introduction: The Institutionalization of Democracy in Spain

Abstract

Spain can boast remarkable accomplishments regarding its transition to democracy and 30 years of democratic governance. Spain stands out as a success story among countries that have transited from authoritarian rule since the mid-1970s. It has achieved democratic consolidation, economic growth and development, and international significance. Its ratings in the Freedom in the World listings have been consistently among the highest in the world since 1978, indicating a comparatively high degree of political rights and civil liberties (Freedom House, 2008). Spanish democracy has survived a number of severe challenges, including an attempted military coup, domestic and Islamist terrorist attacks, political scandals, the disintegration of former governing parties, general strikes against government policies, and multinationalism. This period of continuous and stable democracy has followed what many have considered a model transition to democracy, and these successes also occurred in a country with a history of very divisive politics, civil wars, military coups, and deep ideological and identity cleavages.