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Spain

The Trials and Triumphs of a Modern European Country

by Michael Reid

An incisive account of modern Spain, from the death of Franco to the Catalan referendum and beyond

 

"Comprehensive and engaging."--Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

 

Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's long dictatorship was widely hailed as a success, ushering in three decades of unprecedented progress and prosperity. Yet over the past decade its political consensus has been under severe strain. A stable two-party system has splintered, with disruptive new parties on the far left and far right. No government has had a majority since 2015.

 

Michael Reid overturns the stereotypical view of Spain as a country haunted by its Francoist past. From Catalan separatism and the indignados movement to the Spanish economy's overdependence on tourism and small business, Spain's challenges can often seem unique. But Reid is careful to emphasize the many pressures it faces in common with its European neighbors--such as austerity, populism, and increasing polarization. The result is a penetrating yet rounded portrait of a vibrant country--one that is more often visited than understood.
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NON FICTION
EUROPEAN HISTORY
HISTORY

pre-order available

Pages:

352

Published:

16 Jul 2024

Format

Paperback

Publisher

Yale University Press

ISBN:

9780300278682

An incisive account of modern Spain, from the death of Franco to the Catalan referendum and beyond

 

"Comprehensive and engaging."--Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

 

Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's long dictatorship was widely hailed as a success, ushering in three decades of unprecedented progress and prosperity. Yet over the past decade its political consensus has been under severe strain. A stable two-party system has splintered, with disruptive new parties on the far left and far right. No government has had a majority since 2015.

 

Michael Reid overturns the stereotypical view of Spain as a country haunted by its Francoist past. From Catalan separatism and the indignados movement to the Spanish economy's overdependence on tourism and small business, Spain's challenges can often seem unique. But Reid is careful to emphasize the many pressures it faces in common with its European neighbors--such as austerity, populism, and increasing polarization. The result is a penetrating yet rounded portrait of a vibrant country--one that is more often visited than understood.
$29.00