(‘THE VISION 2050’ CRITICISM 9: SHARED NATIONAL VALUES)
The first mission stated in Mongolia’s long-term development policy document ‘The Vision 2050’ is ‘shared national values’. The development model to achieve this objective will be based on the three main values of the past, present, and future: spirit, speed, and substance which will rely on “unique national characteristics combined with progressive worldviews”.
Thirty years after developing this model, Mongolia will have become “an immune nation with a deep sense of sharing common values” (p. 26). In the development model matrix “substance” is divided into Mongolian, shared values of the nation, and national security. Although Mongolians have “lost their values”, 30 years from now, they will change to “a nation with a deep sense of national identity/distinctiveness”.
Table No. 1: Basic values
“…to create shared national values that can support the establishment of a nation deeply cognizant of the concept of national identity/distinctiveness by ingraining “One Language, one history, one culture, and one belief” rooted in scientific evidence provided by precise modern scientific methodology in people”
In this document the key words ‘shared national values’, have been replaced by national ‘identity/distinctiveness’. In another section, justifying these two are linked, ‘national identity’ was translated as ‘identity/distinctiveness’. The combination of two words with opposite meanings, such as ‘identity’ and ‘distinctiveness’, represent an oxymoron. Therefore, it would be more accurate to translate it as one word ‘distinction’. After all, national identity and shared national values are different concepts. A national identity is an expression on the united nation through its unique traditions, culture, and language. However, shared national values are factors that ensure and guide the unity of the nation.
Nationalism vs Tribalism
National identity is a relatively young concept in Mongolia. In the past, mankind has lived in tribal organization. People’s lives revolved around a few acquaintances. However, with the unification of tribes and aimags, a nation was formed. Thus, social relations went beyond the circle of acquaintances, and the exchange of goods became possible. Well-known historian Yuval Harari outlined the differences between two societies in a speech at the University of Central Europe. According to Harari, tribal societies are not able to establish large systems such as government with economy and healthcare. The same would apply to democracy. It is not a coincidence that democracy first appeared in Britain and Denmark, since it was in these countries that a national sense first emerged. Whereas, in a tribal society, even if an election is held, the winner takes all. Harari demonstrates that this can be clearly seen today in countries such as Papua New Guinea. Elections are meaningful only to those who agree on certain basic values, whereas, to warring tribes they are senseless.
Political analyst Francis Fukuyama supported Harari’s idea in his recently published book “Identity”. In countries with weak national identity (among other causes), such as Syria, Yemen, and Libya, internal conflicts continue. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, disunity is delaying the establishment of modern government. However, countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China had national identities even before they faced the Western world.
The appearance of national identity is as well linked to governance and corruption. The question is whether high-ranking government officials are able to put national interests above personal ones. Today’s South Korea and Japanese elites are able to unite for national development. However, we are not talking here about chauvinism or self-aggrandizement. History has shown the horrific consequences of such extremes as fascism and Nazism.
Mongolians’ national distinctiveness
The Mongol nation was first established in the 13th century when Genghis Khan had united warring tribes. However, as tribalism remained strong, conflicts and struggles delayed development and the empire collapsed. Later, while kings and princes have been quarreling and fighting, eventually in the 17th century, Mongolia came under Manchu for two centuries. After the liberation of Manchu, attempts were made to restore traditional national sense, however, became a satellite of the Soviet Union and, under their guidance, formed a new ‘Homo Soveticus’ nation.
During the 1990 Democratic Revolution, Mongolia began to make its own decisions. In the 20 years since then, we were focusing on making a living. However, in recent years, Mongolians have begun to ask themselves exactly who they are. We have tried to translate the term “national identity” in many ways. In 2018, even a special discussion was organized at the Mongolian Economic Forum.
If we do not discuss national identity, unity, and values from time to time; if we do not always remember that Mongolia is a united nation, extreme cases like tribalism will emerge. Formations such as local councils are fueling the consolidation of tribalism. There is even a new term ‘Uvs man’. Moreover, there is another extreme: xenophobia (fear and hatred of foreigners). Even the President, who is responsible for ensuring the unity of the Mongols, is both openly and covertly encouraging it. We must not forget that both of these extremes lead to social conflict and instability.
The basis of Mongolia’s national identity are our unity and its shared values which confirm and guide the development. The basic values of the Mongolian society are now democracy, human rights, and freedom. While elsewhere these values -dreamt of by most of the world’s population- could not be achieved despite the people’s struggles, in our society these values are irreversibly being embedded day by day. They are the guarantee to our success in the future.
These values not only strengthen the unity of the Mongolian nation, but also distinguish it from its authoritarian neighbors. Only a democratic society that respects human rights and freedoms, provides an opportunity to express ethnic differences, therefore ensuring social stability. Only in a democratic society can free market be fully developed. In democracy and a free market-developed country, economic growth brings prosperity. However, government leaders must be able to put aside personal interests for the prosperity of their country. Only in a country with democratic elections is it possible for citizens to form a government that can do so. Mongolians continue to go down this path.
Whether or not national identity will be deeply embedded in the social consciousness – and thereof will develop immunity- depends on how citizens participate in government decision-making and its implementation in a democratic society. Freedom means that every individual has a responsibility to actively take part in civil society.
2020.04.23
Trans. by Riya.T and Sungerel.U