MONGOLIA’S SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY IN THE ERA OF GREAT POWER COMPETITION

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Authors
Tsolmon, Otgonbayar
Subjects
great power competition
geopolitics
security and foreign policy
Finland
Nepal
Bhutan
Mongolia
small state strategy
Advisors
Twomey, Christopher P.
Date of Issue
2024-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
The rise of China and the resurgence of Russia vying with the United States indicates a renewed era of competition among the great powers aiming to set the standards for the global order. This competition, including the covert rivalry between China and Russia within Russia’s spheres of influence, presents significant challenges for Mongolia’s security and foreign policy. This thesis reviews the literature regarding competition among the great powers and small-state strategies to examine the impact of competition on Mongolia’s security and foreign policy. It also covers Finland, Nepal, and Bhutan as cases to explore policy options for Mongolia. The case studies highlight that small states adopt a mix of strategies, including a smart-state, shelter seeking, and hedging according to the geopolitical landscape set by the great powers. The success of these strategies, however, depends on a pragmatic and adaptable political culture, along with the capabilities and readiness to prioritize national interests. This thesis illustrates that the great power competition has significantly influenced Mongolia’s policy decisions, yet it does not necessitate a fundamental change because of the stability of Mongolia’s security environment. This thesis makes recommendations on Mongolia’s policy going forward, emphasizing the importance of bolstering democratic institutions and enhancing resilience against hybrid threats as part of a hedging strategy to manage geopolitical pressures.
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Thesis
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https://hdl.handle.net/10945/72773
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National Security Affairs (NSA)
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Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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