Juan Carlos of Spain: Self-Made Monarch (St. Antony's Series)

Widely acknowledged as a key figure in Spain's remarkable transition to democracy following General Franco's death in 1975, King Juan Carlos consolidated his reputation as a champion of democracy by aborting the attempted military coup of 23 February 1981. This political biography of the Spanish monarch sheds new light on his childhood, the process whereby he became Franco's successor in 1969, his subsequent contribution to his nation's democratization, and his role as constitutional monarch since 1978, both at home and abroad. King Juan Carlos of Spain is currently one of the world's most popular and respected statesmen. This largely reflects the interest and admiration he has aroused both at home and abroad on account of his decisive contribution to the establishment and consolidation of democracy in Spain following the death of General Franco in November 1975. While seeking to determine the precise nature of his role in this process, widely publicised as a result of his part in aborting the military coup of February 1981, this political life of Juan Carlos also aims to shed new light on lesser-known episodes of his life, including his childhood and adolescence, the process leading to his proclamation as Franco's successor in 1969 and his performance as Prince of Spain (1969-75). Additionally, it deals in detail with the King's current role as constitutional monarch, his efforts to hold the newly created semi-federal Spanish state together, and his hitherto ignored contribution to foreign policy. A portrait and political biography of one of the world's more respected statesmen, from his childhood and adolescence through the awkward years of his role as Franco's chosen successor as the Head of State of an authoritarian regime to his achievements in promoting the new democracy after Franco's death in 1975. Covers in detail the King's current role as constitutional monarch, his efforts to hold the newly created semi-federal Spanish state together, and his hitherto ignored contribution to foreign policy. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. Front Matter....Pages i-xi Years of Exile and Uncertainty....Pages 1-26 After Franco, Who?....Pages 27-44 Prince of Spain....Pages 45-61 The Succession Crisis....Pages 62-84 After Franco, What?....Pages 85-111 In the Driving Seat at Last....Pages 112-138 King of a Parliamentary Monarchy....Pages 139-156 Consolidating — and Defending — Democracy....Pages 157-180 Juan Carlos at Home and Abroad....Pages 181-205 Looking to the Future....Pages 206-214 Back Matter....Pages 215-253