Pastoral Khans: from Mongolian Steppe to African Savannah

Authors

  • Troy Sternberg Centre for International Studies, University Institute Lisbon, Lisbon, PORTUGAL https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2203-5226
  • Joanna Roque de Pinho Centre for International Studies, University Institute Lisbon, Lisbon, PORTUGAL
  • Batbuyan Batjav Center for Nomadic Pastoralist Studies, Ulaanbaatar, MONGOLIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v23i1.1566

Keywords:

pastoralists, Covid-19, Mongolia, international studies, drylands, Africa

Abstract

The developing field of Mongolian International Studies offers a diverse range of research topics. A review of recent articles reflects an emphasis on geo-politics, particularly evolving relations with its superpower neighbours. Whilst state-to-state engagement with China and Russia predominates, regional countries (Japan, Korea) and the US and Europe are examined within the ‘Third Neighbour’ policy. Trade and economics are also studied, from Oyu Tolgoi and mining to the role of the IMF and international agencies. Currently lacking is a focus on human-driven engagement that reflects Mongolian livelihoods, spirituality and community environments. Such social and cultural dynamics are essential to both pastoral and rural livelihoods and to understanding the nation. In 2020-2022 international academic endeavours enabled Mongolian herder representatives to participate in a global drylands exchange network with dryland residents in thirteen countries. The process provided an exceptional opportunity to present Mongolian perspectives to pastoralists and academics from Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. This grounded Mongolian livelihoods and situated rural dynamics in a global context. Here we report key engagements and findings as Mongolian herders shared lives and practices in the context of this international pastoral/drylands project. Moving beyond the political/economic rubric, as this project did, delivers a more representative and complete comprehension of Mongolia to the global international studies community.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
179
PDF 146

Author Biographies

Troy Sternberg, Centre for International Studies, University Institute Lisbon, Lisbon, PORTUGAL

(Ph.D), Professor, 

Senior Researcher, School of Geography, University of Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM

Joanna Roque de Pinho, Centre for International Studies, University Institute Lisbon, Lisbon, PORTUGAL

Senior researcher

Batbuyan Batjav, Center for Nomadic Pastoralist Studies, Ulaanbaatar, MONGOLIA

Ph.D

Downloads

Published

2022-10-22

How to Cite

Sternberg, T., Pinho, J. R. de, & Batjav, B. (2022). Pastoral Khans: from Mongolian Steppe to African Savannah. Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, 23(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v23i1.1566

Issue

Section

Articles