Abstract
Since the 1900s when Mongolia fought for its independence, it was looking for an ally or a supporter on which it could rely on. One of the options was third neighbor. During the dramatic times Mongolia tried to approach Japan, as the closest possible country to have relation, and the U.S. as a country somehow caught its attention, to establish, if not diplomatic, at least trade relation. Third neighbor policy is unique, as it is associated only with Mongolia due to its unique geographic location. Looking for third neighbor, it is important for Mongolia to maintain balance between two big neighbors, and to have relationship with other developed countries. But the U.S. saw Mongolia not only as a young and a good example of democracy, and strategic partner, but also possible “ally” which lies between Russia and China. Third neighbor policy is not just an ordinary policy in foreign policy; it is a concept which is important for Mongolia, for a country which is sandwiched between two big nuclear Powers. With changing international environment Mongolia’s strategic importance never left behind. Here will be discussed that Mongolia’s third neighbor policy cannot be limited just with foreign policy or relationships with other countries. But it could have broader meaning from geo-strategic perspective, depending from international politics. I am arguing that third neighbor policy is more than just a foreign policy, it is a concept.
Highlights
There is a proverb “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your neighbors”
Third neighbor policy is not just an ordinary policy in foreign policy; it is a concept which is important for Mongolia, for a country which is sandwiched between two big nuclear Powers
I am arguing that third neighbor policy is more than just a foreign policy, it is a concept
Summary
There is a proverb “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your neighbors”. First of all, anything related to Mongolia’s foreign policy has geopolitics background It is not because Mongolia is landlocked country or has only two neighbors; the main reason lies on its geographic location and who the neighbors are. According to Damba Ganbat, former director of Mongolia’s Strategic Studies Center, “Mongolia’s foreign policy priority was always given to China and Russia, and the statement of fundamental principle of balanced relations with the two neighbors.”[15]. In the NSC adopted in 1994, Mongolia moved away from its classical approach of ‘hard balancing’ or relying on a friend against an enemy It declared that Mongolia’s foreign policy would be based on political realism, nonalignment, pursuit of national interest, and participation in international efforts to strengthen international peace and security[17]. In the third neighbor policy, Mongolia assumes to develop friendly relations with developed countries such as the U.S, Japan, South Korea and Germany, which is very important, but as time passes Japan aid and South Korean investment made very important and close-to-cooperate neighbor more than the U.S
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