Party Formation and Democratic Transition in Spain: The creation and collapse of the Union of the Democratic Centre

Abstract

The abrupt collapse and dissolution of the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD), the party which governed Spain during the crucial period of the transition to democracy (1977-82), is one of the most extraordinary events in the history of European party politics. This book develops an original theoretical framework for the study of party institutionalisation, and draws on a wide range of empirical sources to offer new insights into the causes of the UCD's collapse. In explaining how a party, capable of winning two consecutive general elections and achieving notable successes in government, could disintegrate so spectacularly, Jonathan Hopkin's book will be of interest to students of comparative politics, political parties and of Spanish politics and history.