Mongolia in the 20th Century: Landlocked Cosmopolitan

The remote vastness of Mongolia has always been a mystery to most Westerners--no less so in the twentieth century. It is perhaps the most intriguing of the post-communist "transition" societies. This volume examines Mongol history over the past century, embracing not only Mongolia proper but also Mongol communities in Russia and China. The contributions, based on new archival research and the latest fieldwork, are by the world's top experts--including four authors from Mongolia and others from Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Great Britain, and the United States. Stephen Kotkin's introductory chapter is a masterful overview of Mongol studies. The essays in Part I examine Sino-Russian competition over Outer Mongolia. Part II looks at international diplomacy in Mongolia, including the role of Japan. Part III focuses on contemporary issues ranging from economic and cultural change to emergent elites. A concluding essay surveys Mongolian foreign policy.