Article
Mongolia’s Quest for Peace: A Small Country’s Big Efforts

By : Tsogtbaatar Damdin

Page No: 309-337

Abstract
This article brings a new perspective on the historical events that overwhelmed Mongolia in the early 20th century, and the eventual re-emergence of the nation. By analysing the intra-national and historical developments vis-à-vis the international processes, it argues that what has been identified up to these days as the ‘people’s revolution’ in the country should be accurately called a ‘national liberation movement’. Such a changed approach has far-reaching ramifications even today. The author explores the role of a small nation in the larger political games of global powers and emphasises that both bigger and smaller actors should be aware of their roles in the formation of a world order. This is especially relevant for peace-building today. The paper highlights  Mongolian peace efforts and their impact on the broader region. Finally, the article elaborates the power of faith in propagating peace. Buddhism, as the foundation of Mongolian culture, has never fully lost its influence in the country. Even under communist rule Buddhist values stayed and exercised their subliminal influence. This was discernible in the Mongolian pro-peace and disarmament initiatives at that time. With the collapse of communism the survived religion not only began to flourish but also started feeding the Buddhist urge for global peace and harmony. The paper underlines the power of compassion deeply embedded in the philosophies of all major religions, which makes them vital for realising the growing global aspirations for peace.

Author
Mr. Tsogtbaatar Damdin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, is a Member of the Mongolian Parliament. A seasoned diplomat and politician, he has held key ministerial portfolios including Minister for the Nature, Environment and Tourism (2012) and Minister for Construction and Urban Development (2014-2015) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (2017-2020).
 

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32381/NS.2025.08.03.4