This theoretical and empirical study is the first to examine the connection between the image and substance of Spain's democracy and the country's foreign policy in Central America. A linkage is established between Spain's political model of democratic transition and Spanish foreign policy on the isthmus, while questioning the validity of the model as a foreign policy instrument. This well-documented case study explores the notion of democracy in Central America, measures Spain's democratic successes and failures against a political model, and examines Spanish foreign policy and the political situation in Central America.