ABSTRACT

This book examines the evolution of Spanish foreign policy since 1975, through five different presidencies, spanning its transformation from a dictatorial political system and backward economy to a modern European state, fully democratic and with a well-functioning market economy, under strain from the Eurozone Sovereign Debt crisis. It explains how domestic developments and external factors have combined to shape Spain’s international relations, assessing the impact of EU membership and providing an example of how middle powers can pursue their foreign policy objectives in the international system. The authors explore a range of topics including:

  • Defence and security
  • Economy and development
  • Soft power
  • Spanish policy towards the EU, the United States, Latin America, the Mediterranean, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of Spanish politics and history, European Union studies, foreign policy, international relations and security studies.

chapter |12 pages

Introduction

Contemporary Spanish foreign policy

chapter |19 pages

Democratisation and professionalisation

Security and defence policy in contemporary Spain

chapter |18 pages

Spain in the Mediterranean and the Middle East

The quest for security and status

chapter |14 pages

Spain and Sub-Saharan Africa

Towards a strategic approach

chapter |14 pages

Spain and Asia

Towards a closer relationship