Exploring the Nexus between Democracy and Subjective Wellbeing

The quality of a political regime, governance, and political factors strongly influence individuals' subjective well-being. As a young democracy, and the only democratic country positioned between China and Russia, Mongolia faces significant challenges, including global democratic decline, growing socio-economic inequality, and rising geopolitical tensions. Mongolia has experienced democratic backsliding according to various political indicators. This makes it timely to examine how these political shifts impact the well-being of Mongolian society, including trust, participation, cooperation, and life satisfaction.

This paper explores the nexus between democracy and subjective well-being in Mongolia, focusing on whether there is a meaningful relationship between democracy and subjective well-being in the first place. Furthermore, how democratic governance influences trust, life satisfaction, happiness, sense of purpose, and other well-being dimensions and vice versa. By analyzing data from the World Values Survey, Asia Barometer, and the Subjective Wellbeing Survey of Mongolia, the paper uses social indicators to explore these relationships across key study areas such as trust in institutions, political participation, generational values, and life satisfaction. Additionally, it discusses the implications of rising geopolitical tensions on democratic satisfaction in Mongolia and examines whether these factors further affect the subjective well-being of its people.

Through this examination of social indicators, the paper contributes valuable insights into how democracy and well-being intersect in a young and transitioning democracy. The authors explore possibilities to revitalize democratic trust, support, and participation as crucial conditions for improving citizens' well-being.