How Is the Russia-Ukraine War Impacting Mongolia in the Military and Economic Realms?
Abstract
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began February 24, 2022, is ongoing, with a cost of many thousands of lives, catastrophic property destruction, and displacement of millions. As the international community grapples with nuclear threats and a humanitarian disaster resulting from the war, many small states in the region are struggling to maintain economic stability and military security. Perhaps no small state is more immediately affected than geographically unique Mongolia, situated between world powers Russia and China. This thesis examines how Russia's war in Ukraine is impacting Mongolia in the economic and military domains. The thesis finds that because Mongolia's 2011 foreign policy concept and 2015 military strategy remain in place, there is little chance of any change in current military strategy. The economic effects, however, have been pronounced: fuel prices have risen by 68 percent and consumer goods by 15.7 percent. The thesis concludes that Mongolia's overreliance on Russia leaves it vulnerable to severe economic impacts over which it has little control. The thesis recommends that Mongolia pursue economic self-sufficiency in critical areas such as electrical power and that it assess ways to stabilize its economy in times of regional or international conflict. The thesis also recommends that Mongolia's military innovate in response to the war and continue to develop its strength.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1213026
Entities
People
- Ganchuluun Turbat
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School