Comparative Agendas

Agenda Dynamics in Spain

Spanish politics has evolved from a consensual democracy with a focus on consolidating democratic rule to one where political parties increasingly polarize around ideologically rigid positions of Left and Right. No government seems able to resolve fundamental social conflicts relating to economic growth, relations with the regions, the EU, and the Church. Members of Parliament are regularly sidelined compared to the Prime Minister, even as the regional governments and the European Union increasingly make important policy decisions in a growing number policy domains. Tracing political history from the transition to democracy to the present, this engaging and highly empirical book provides a new look at Spanish politics, based on a policy agendas approach. Students, academics, and those interested in policy change and institutional design over the long term, will all find the book of interest.