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The West German strategy of engagement with the democratization of the Iberian Peninsula
Ana Monica Fonseca (Fonseca, A. Monica);
Event Title
Global Crisis and Democratic Transition in Southern Europe: a Political History
Year (definitive publication)
2024
Language
English
Country
Greece
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Abstract
International party solidarity serves as a crucial strategy for fostering and sustaining successful democratization processes. This chapter examines the role of international and transnational support in democratic transitions, focusing on the case of West Germany’s government and political parties in assisting democratization efforts in Portugal and Spain during the 1970s. Specifically, we analyze the contributions of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), along with their affiliated political foundations—the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. These organizations played a pivotal role in shaping democratic developments by offering a multifaceted support system that included political guidance, financial assistance, material resources, and ideological backing. Their commitment translated into extensive diplomatic engagement, coalition-building efforts, and the dissemination of democratic values tailored to the unique political landscapes of both Iberian nations. By fostering political stability and reinforcing democratic institutions, West Germany’s strategy of engagement in the Iberian peninsula underscored the increasing international influence of the Federal Republic of Germany within Western Europe. This influence reflected broader regional trends, where Western European nations and their political leaderships sought to expand democratic governance as a means of consolidating stability and European integration. Ultimately, the German contribution was instrumental in facilitating the Iberian Peninsula’s transition to democracy, demonstrating the broader impact of transnational political collaboration in shaping democratic outcomes.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Democratização,Guerra Fria,Alemanha Federal,25 Abril