Spain: The Trials and Triumphs of a Modern European Country

Written by Michael Reid

Narrated by Asa Siegel

An incisive account of modern Spain, from the death of Franco to the Catalan referendum and beyond

Spain's transition to democracy after Franco's long dictatorship was widely hailed as a success, ushering in three decades of unprecedented progress and prosperity. Yet over the past decade its political consensus has been under severe strain. A stable two-party system has splintered, with disruptive new parties on the far left and far right. No government has had a majority since 2015.

Michael Reid overturns the stereotypical view of Spain as a country haunted by its Francoist past. From Catalan separatism and the indignados movement to the Spanish economy's overdependence on tourism and small business, Spain's challenges can often seem unique. But Reid is careful to emphasize the many pressures it faces in common with its European neighbors-such as austerity, populism, and increasing polarization. The result is a penetrating yet rounded portrait of a vibrant country-one that is more often visited than understood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: May 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350817249

Michael Reid

Michael Reid is one of two principals who lead Denver-based Minter + Reid. Reid’s expertise includes design, management, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative research in telecommunications, entertainment, media, packaged goods, and utilities. He has helped several of the world’s largest cable companies develop digital and telephony products; developed a new music-testing system for major labels to dramatically increase the odds that a new single will “chart”; and uncovered specific consumer preferences that helped the New York Post and Denver Post achieve the highest circulation growth in the newspaper industry. Additionally, Reid has worked side-by-side with Minter in developing Blockbuster’s online rental strategy, DVD in-store sales, and DVD trading—programs that contributed to Blockbuster’s forty-seven-quarter record for continuous same-store sales growth. Reid also is president of Paragon Media Strategies, a Denver-based full-service marketing and research company that generates actionable information for some of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, including News Corporation, Media News, Blockbuster, Susquehanna Communications, and Rogers Media. Paragon Media was founded in 1987, and employs more than seventy-five research and marketing professionals. Reid earned his bachelor of arts at Doane College. As a Fulbright Scholar, he attended Phillips University (Marburg an der Lahn, Germany). He lives with his wife and children in Denver, Colorado.