Democracia, opinión pública y política exterior en Espa a

This article analyses the delicate connection existing between domestic and foreign policy on the one hand and public opinion, on the other, through an excursus of main events which have taken place in Spain from the time of Franco to the second legislature of Zapatero. Through historical and political reconstruction, using supporting data, reflection has been formulated on a system that has undergone deep transformations. Such changes have placed Spain within the same league as other European powers on a relatively short period, enabling the country to attain the status of a regional power. Yet, the question remains as to whether Spanish public opinion has always accepted the foreign policy choices its leaders have taken.