What can Mongolia learn from the experiences of other democratic countries that have set up systems for defense policy planning?

Abstract

Around the world, the defense policies and security priorities of all countries require review and revision that reflects the changing political environment. The end of the Cold War and the initiation of the War on Terrorism are two examples of this. It is uncertain as to which next world event will precipitate necessary revision and review of defense policies. Although for established democracies, such planning is difficult, for new democracies, this challenge is even more problematic. Instead of adopting another country's defense policy or structure directly, it is necessary for the new democratic country to analyze and adjust a version which is appropriate for its individual defense needs and interests. This thesis examines the defense policy planning processes of selected democratic countries in order to ascertain if there are any common processes, characteristics or experiences, and to identify contemporary debates and challenges. To that end, the United States will be the model of an established democracy and Estonia and Mongolia will be considered as the newly democratic countries. Analyzing these cases comparatively will enable Mongolia as a new democratic country to review its current defense policies and to opt for further improvements for its planning system. The thesis will attempt to answer the question "What lessons can Mongolia learn from the experiences of other democratic countries which have already set up systems for defense policy planning?".