The Spanish Socialist Party and the modernisation of Spain

This text considers the most electorally successful political party in Spain, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) which was in government for two of the three decades since it won office under Felipe Gonzalez in 1982. Providing rich historical background, the book's main focus is on the period since General Franco's death in 1975. It charts Spain's modernisation under the PSOE, with a particular focus on the role played by European integration in this process

The PSOE and social democracy -- The character of Spanish socialism : a historical overview, 1879-1982 -- The PSOE and the European Community : from isolation to integration -- Economic policy under the PSOE, 1982-96 -- Foreign and security policy under the PSOE government (1982-96) : the irresistible force of European imperatives? -- The PSOE and the question of regional autonomy -- The PSOE in opposition, 1996-2004 -- Zapatismo : progressive ideology in a post-social democratic world? -- Foreign and security policy under Rodríguez Zapatero -- Nemesis : economic policy under the PSOE and the road to defeat -- Conclusion -- Appendix : Party organisation, membership and general election results 2000-11.