MONGOLIA and the importance of this nation to America, China, and Russia

MONGOLIA and the importance of this nation to America, China, and Russia

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 geography. However, if we focus on this nation being democratic, independent, and neutral; then clearly Mongolia can help to soothe relations between China and the Russian Federation during times of difficulty. Therefore, can Mongolia play a good "hand of poker" and make the most of her geopolitical reality?

For leaders in Moscow, it is clear that Mongolia is important because this nation is surrounded by both China and the Russian Federation. Therefore, the geopolitical significance of Mongolia is obvious to both China and the Russian Federation. Given this reality, political leaders in Moscow desire to help this nation because it is vital that Mongolia at least remains neutral.

Also, America could encroach by offering vast economic and political support. Therefore, important policies are being implemented by the Russian Federation with regards to energy routes, transport networks, economic zones, for example the Tumen River Delta Economic Zone, and other dynamic policies. So the strategic importance of Mongolia to the Russian Federation is abundantly clear and Moscow desires to maintain a neutral Mongolia.

China shares similar views towards Mongolia because if tensions did develop with the Russian Federation, then Mongolia would be an important nation because of the geopolitical reality of this country. So Mongolia is deemed to be a vital "buffer" between both China and the Russian Federation. However, at the moment both Beijing and Moscow have cordial relations between each other and towards Ulan Bator. Therefore, Mongolia should upgrade her economy while both nations are working together on so many issues.

China is also worried about the "American card." So it is in the interest of both China and the Russian Federation to shore up their relationship. After all, American meddling could upset the applecart. However, China does have one major "ace" and this applies to the economic angle. Therefore, China does have a lot of economic influence in Mongolia because China is Mongolia's major trading partner.

China and the Russian Federation also fear America having major military bases in Mongolia in the future. This applies to America having independent bases in Mongolia or via the framework of NATO troops. China is also worried about the Taiwan issue, therefore, China can not afford a weakness within her geopolitical zone of influence and Mongolian neutrality is a must for the leaders of Beijing.

America, on the other hand, desires to keep both nations in check and of course they hope to increase their influence in Mongolia for geopolitical and military reasons. America also understands 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 knows that Mongolia could be threatened, after all inner Mongolia lies within the nation of China. Therefore, it is a good way for America to keep an eye on her main rivals, while justifying this on past history.

Given this, the nation of Mongolia must utilize her geographic reality in order to boost the economy of Mongolia. Therefore, astute leaders are needed in order to play "a wise game." If this happens, then Mongolia can gain from economic and political support from all the major powers. Of course this is not going to be easy, therefore, diplomacy and statecraft is badly needed in order to maintain the current status quo.

However, for now Mongolia is utilizing her geography well because international investment continues, despite the remoteness of this nation. Yet dangers remain within the political system of Mongolia because earlier this year you had mass demonstrations in this nation. Therefore, Mongolia needs to focus on democracy and transparency because internal political tensions will lead to international capital flight and it will reduce direct foreign investments.

Also, it is hoped that regional or global institutions will help this nation. This applies to the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, NATO's Part­nership for Peace, the Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue, and other major institutions. The European Union should also develop a robust policy and democratic nations throughout the region should implement favorable policies towards this nation, for example South Korea and Japan. Therefore, it is vital for Mongolia and positive outside forces to help this nation to develop and to utilize the natural resources of this country.

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? Therefore, all major political parties in this nation must refrain from using violence and intimidation. Instead, they must focus on preserving the independence of this nation and creating a stable economic and political system. So it is vital for Mongolia to utilize the international political system because it is clear that this nation is of strategic importance.

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

lee_jay_teach@hotmail.co.uk

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