LESSONS OF CHAVEZ: THE BOLIVARIAN REFORMISM

The article analyses reforms of Hugo Chavez (1954-2013, president of Venezuela in 1999-2013). Three years after his death, analyzing his policies, reforms and contribution to the development of the state and nation, we can admit that Chavez was one of the prominent international politicians and public figures of the turn of XX-XXI centuries. He was not only the most influential geopolitical ally of Russia in the Western hemisphere. Reforms of Chávez demonstrate the example of the combination of patriotism, courage and common sense, devotion to his country and its people. The article analyzes the ideological and political origins Chavez’s strategy, his unique “triad” - the combination of religious faith, support of the army and the pursuit of social justice. The author discloses the essence of profound transformations in domestic politics - constitutional reform, nationalization of the oil industry, mining and extraction of raw materials, electricity grids, large-scale projects to improve the social situation of citizens, education and medicine, agrarian reform.

Latin America, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, reforms, «Bolivarian socialism»