Scientific article
UDC 316.334
DOI 10.3792/3033-6015-2025-34-46
THE EFFECTS AND FACTORS OF CIVIL SOCIETY
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MONGOLIAN DEMOCRACY
Khatanbold Oidov – Ph. D, Head of the Department of Political Sciences & Legal Studies of the Mongolian Aca-demy of Sciences, WAPOR Representative Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia). ORCID: 0000-0001-7867-6850. E-mail: khatanboldo@mas.ac.mn; khatanboldo@gmail.com.
Purevsuren Batmunkh – MA, Executive Director of the “Hulugu Initiatives” (NGO) (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia). ORCID: 0009-0006-8614-0654. E-mail: ppvvjee710@gmail.com, hulugu.initiatives@gmail.com.
This study investigates the multifaceted role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the development of Mongolian democracy, set against the backdrop of the nation`s unique historical and institutional evolution. Though a comprehensive sociological lens, the research critically assesses the impact of CSOs, acknowledging their foundational role in democratic process while addressing the limitations imposed by legal, financial, and human resource constraints. Employing quantitative surveys, expert interviews, and statistical analysis, the study identifies key challenges, including structural and operational impediments, evolving public perceptions of de-mocracy shifting from «freedom» to «justice,» and complex state-civil society dynamics. Regional disparities in democratic consolidation and age-differentiated perspectives on democratic influences further complicate the landscape.
Analysis reveals a nuanced relationship between CSO participation and democratic indicators, with positive correlations observed for national sovereignty and security, yet limited measurable effects on political development and governance quality. This research underscores the critical need to enhance CSO capacity through improved financing, human resource development, and regulatory stability, coupled with transparent governance and balanced state oversight. Addressing entrenched institutional weaknesses and socio-political complexities is paramount to unlocking the full potential of civil society in Mongolia. Findings call for systemic reforms, inclusive civic engagement strategies, and tailored regional policies to promote a resilient and equitable democracy. By accounting for the historical context and contemporary conditions, this study offers a comprehensive assessment of civil society’s participation in Mongolia, providing valuable insights for advancing democratic consolidation and ensuring a more inclusive and participatory society.
In essence, the study underscores that while civil society is indispensable for Mongolia’s democratic consolidation, entrenched institutional weaknesses and socio-political complexities constrain its full potential. Addressing these challenges through systemic reforms and inclusive civic engagement is vital for advancing a resilient and equitable democracy. By accounting for the historical and contemporary conditions of democratic development in Mongolia, this research provides an indepth sociological assessment of civil society participation, employing multifaceted methods to identify the diverse factors shaping its role as the foundation of the nation’s democracy today.
Keywords: Mongolia, civil society organizations, democracy, freedoms, citizens.
EFFECTS AND FACTORS OF CIVIL SOCIETY
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MONGOLIAN DEMOCRACY
The study examines the multifaceted role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the development of Mongolian democracy against the backdrop of the country’s unique historical and institutional evolution. Despite a comprehensive sociological approach, the study critically assesses the impact of civil society organizations, acknowledging their foundational role in the democratic process while also considering the limitations imposed by legal, financial, and human resources. Using quantitative surveys, expert interviews, and statistical analysis, the study identifies key challenges, including structural and operational obstacles, the shifting public perception of democracy from «freedom» to «justice,» and the complex dynamics of state-civil society interaction. Regional differences in democratic consolidation and age-related variations in views on democratic influences further complicate the picture. The analysis revealed a nuanced relationship between CSO participation and democratic indicators, with a positive correlation observed with national sovereignty and security, but limited measurable impact on political development and governance quality. This study underscores the urgent need to strengthen CSO capacity through improved funding, human resource development, and regulatory stability, combined with transparent governance and balanced state oversight. Addressing entrenched institutional shortcomings and socio-political complexities is paramount to unlocking the full potential of civil society in Mongolia. The findings call for systemic reforms, inclusive civil society participation strategies, and targeted regional policies to advance sustainable and equitable democracy. Considering the historical context and contemporary conditions, the study offers a comprehensive assessment of civil society participation in Mongolia, providing valuable insights for promoting democratic consolidation and building a more inclusive, participatory society. In essence, the study emphasizes that while civil society is essential for strengthening democracy in Mongolia, entrenched institutional shortcomings and socio-political complexities limit its potential. Addressing these issues through systemic reforms and inclusive civil society participation is vital for advancing sustainable and equitable democracy. Given the historical and contemporary conditions of democratic development in Mongolia, this study provides an in-depth sociological assessment of civil society participation, using multifaceted methods to identify various factors shaping its role as the foundation of national democracy today.
Keywords: Mongolia, civil society organizations, democracy, freedoms, citizens.
