Potential effects of permanent neutrality on Mongolia's defense foreign cooperation

Abstract

The Mongolians have debated a potential declaration of permanent neutrality since September 2015. These debates have contained little or no consideration of the potential effects on Mongolia's defense cooperation with foreign military. Mongolia has developed defense cooperation with Russia, China, and other countries in order to enhance military capability and interoperability. The country's defense cooperation allows Mongolia's contribution to global peace and stability activities as a vital foreign policy tool of the country. This thesis analyzes the potential effects of permanent neutrality on foreign defense cooperation. This analysis is based on the study of the concept of neutrality and the benefits and limitations of the permanent neutrality policies; the examination of the defense cooperation experiences of neutral countries such as Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Austria, and Turkmenistan; and the evaluation of current foreign cooperation of Mongolia's defense. If Mongolia became permanently neutral, it would likely cause defense cooperation challenges, such as discouraging current partners, and potential disengagement of current cooperation. Since Mongolia has limited military capacity, foreign cooperation for defense is crucial. Such cooperation will enhance Mongolia's defense capacity and enable it to participate in global stability affairs. This thesis assesses that the permanent neutrality policy is not suitable for Mongolia's defense foreign cooperation.