Nationalism, Exclusivism, and Purism: An Analytical Description of National Identity in Mongolia

In recent years, Mongolia has witnessed the rise of ultra-nationalists and even neo-Nazis. Their campaigns pillory foreigners, especially Chinese and Koreans, as threats to the “purity” of the nation, and are often accompanied by vandalism and violence. Their target is not only limited to foreign people and enterprises but also to their fellow citizens. Reports state that women accused of fraternizing with foreigners, as well as sexual minorities, are typical examples of domestic scapegoats and objects of violence.

As ultra-nationalists and neo-Nazis themselves are very few in Mongolia, the problem is whether public opinion is tolerant of them. However, descriptions of the public opinion in Mongolia are conflicting. Some argue that nationalism and prejudice against foreigners is common in the country, and that exclusivists are gaining popularity, against the backdrop of public fear that Mongolia, the country with so small population, might be easily swallowed up by the massive influx of foreign people, investments, culture, and others. Meanwhile, others explain that these ultra-nationalist groups do not represent the majority of Mongolian people, and that their activities are still in the margins. Which is closer to reality? Resolving the contradiction and portraying an accurate picture of public opinion will help in forecasting the future of nationalism and exclusivism in the country.

This paper presents a study of issues on the national identity of ordinary Mongolians, such as exclusivism, national pride, and aspiration of “national purity.” Using data from cross-national public opinion surveys, the study examines Mongolian attitudes toward those issues, by comparing Mongolia with Asian societies and post-socialist ones. This study also explores correlations among these attitudes, as well as factors associated with them. Hence, the study aims to offer a non-European empirical viewpoint to the research of nationalism and national identity.