Mongolia: Democracy on the Steppe (Postcommunist States and Nations)

Mongolia has emerged from its peaceful democratic revolution and 70 years of socialist-induced isolation to offer an island of democracy in the heart of Asia. This volume introduces readers to post-socialist Mongolia and offers an overview of the political and economic issues of concern to Mongolians today. Some of the topics addressed in the book include: the influence of nationalism in contemporary politics; the role of women and NGOs in creating civil society; and foreign relations in light of Mongolia's location between China and Russia. Mongolia also discusses the democratic revolution itself, and how the particular nature of the revolution, as well as the influence of Mongolia's history, has shaped the current political situation. Mongolia's struggle to deal with the greatest peacetime economic collapse this century is examined. The volume also discusses the key political parties in Mongolia, and examines their attempts to come to grips with the legacy of seventy years of socialist rule.