MONGOLIA - A small nation but in a prime geopolitical area

MONGOLIA - A small nation but in a prime geopolitical area

The nation of Mongolia is very large in landmass, however, her population is very small and it would appear that this nation is not blessed by her geopolitical location. However, the three major military powers are all interested in this strategic nation. Therefore, can Mongolia play a good hand of poker and make the most of her geopolitical reality?

For the Russian Federation this nation is a "buffer" between herself and China, and her geopolitical significance is obvious to the leaders of this nation. Given this, they desire to help this nation and of course to at least keep Mongolia neutral. Therefore, energy routes, transport networks, economic zones, for example the Tumen River Delta Economic Zone, are all helping the Russian Federation to keep a firm eye on Mongolia and any possible future changes.

China have a different perspective because of course they understand the buffer reality of this nation, however, China and the Russian Federation now have cordial relations. So China is more concerned about keeping America out or at least reducing her power and influence. China and the Russian Federation both fear America having military bases in Mongolia and because of the Taiwan issue, China can see a weakness within her geopolitical zone of influence.

America, on the other hand, desire to keep both nations in check and of course they hope to increase their influence in Mongolia for geopolitical and military reasons. America also knows that Mongolia is in a very strategic region and they desire to increase their influence within the "backyard" of both China and the Russian Federation. America also understands that Mongolia could be threatened, after all inner Mongolia lies within the nation of China. Therefore, it is a good way to keep an eye on her main rivals in all but name.

Therefore, the naiton of Mongolia can increase her economic help and support via her geopolitical reality. If they can play of all nations, then they can benefit for some time to come. Of course it is not going to be easy to please all sides and this policy could backfire because in the future they may support one nation overtly morethan the other two.

However, for now Mongolia is playing a game of poker well and increasing international investment continues despite the remoteness of this nation. If Mongolia can maintain her neutrality in the future, then her economy will continue to benefit and her global influence within Northeast Asia will also blossom. In this sense Mongolia is already winning and maybe this weak nation can help to reduce respective tensions in this part of world via her diplomatic policy?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA