The monograph examines the problems of the formation and development of democracy in Chile, the origins of social reformism, the features of the political tradition, and the activities of political parties. Particular attention is paid to the military coup of 1973 and the authoritarian regime of A. Pinochet, its consequences, as well as the specifics of the Chilean version of the democratic transition, the social policy of democratic governments to overcome poverty. The author dwells in detail on the current stage of socio-political development - the reign of Presidents R. Lagos, M. Bachelet and S. Piñera, and on the issues of improving consolidated democracy.

Contents: Political parties and traditions of social reformism. Origins of social reformism. Christian democracy and “revolution in freedom” (1964-1970). The socialist project of the Government of National Unity (1970-1973). The military in power: authoritarian modernization (1973-1989). The “special mission” of the army. The break in the democratic tradition. Economic modernization and social policy. The role of civil society in resisting authoritarianism. Features of democratic transition (1990-1999). Model of “managed transition”. From confrontation to compromise. The problem of poverty. Adaptation of civil society to new challenges. Indian question. Consolidation and development democracy (2000-2010). Results of the electoral process of 1999-2000. Priorities of the government of R. Lagos. Towards a new model of social policy. Presidency of M. Bachelet: continuity and change. New model of military-civil relations. Tasks of multicultural development. Center-right in power (2010-2013). Elections 2009-2010: victory of the opposition. Politics of S. Piñera and the limits of “effective development”. Authorities and society in search of a new consensus.