Democracy’s Orphans: The Demobilization of Grassroots Movements During Spain’s Transition to Democracy, 1968-1986

Andrea Davis
History
UC San Diego

The project examines how and why vibrant grassroots movements forged during the final decade of the Francoist dictatorship were demobilized as democracy was consolidated in Spain.  Analyzing a network of local actors as they moved between neighborhood assemblies, clandestine organizations, sociopolitical movements and institutions, the study outlines the model of popular democracy advanced during Spain’s transition. It also identifies the forces — both national and transnational — that hindered local actors from realizing their model, which contrasted with the liberal democracy that was ultimately established. As part of a new historiographical trend centered on the social origins of democratization, the study also sheds light on the largely overlooked post-transition era. By explaining the mechanisms and consequences of demobilization, a phenomenon popularly referred to as “disenchantment,” the analysis further complicates and historicizes the internationally promoted view that Spain’s transition was a model democratic transition. The study contributes to our general understanding of democratic promotion and the possibilities of democratic enlargement as the neoliberal agenda emerged and the communist alternative weakened.