| ID | 090968 |
| Title Proper | Mongolia |
| Other Title Information | transmogrification of a Communist Party |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Rossabi, Morris |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), founded in 1924, ruled Mongolia as a one-party communist state until 1990. Following the model of the Soviet Union, it imposed a dictatorial government which engaged in a purge leading to the deaths of about 25,000 people, undermined Buddhism, and collectivized the herds. On the other hand, it fostered industrialization and urbanization, introduced modern educational and medical systems, and provided a social safety net for the 183 population. Yet it kept Mongolia isolated from the rest of the world. The fall of communism transformed the MPRP. To hold power, it aligned itself with international financial organizations, which required acquiescence to a shock therapy of rapid privatization, liberalization of trade, elimination of price subsidies, a balanced budget and minimalist government, resulting in increased corruption, unemployment, and greater income inequality. Poverty soared, health and education suffered, and the social safety net was frayed. Market solutions, which both the international financial organizations and the MPRP championed, did not resolve these problems. To be sure, democracy and civil liberties have made great strides, and elections until the summer of 2008 were fair and free of violence. However, parlous economic conditions do not augur well for the future. The MPRP has deviated from its social message of economic democracy and equality of economic opportunity, and the 2008-2009 world-wide financial crisis has exacerbated its problems. |
| `In' analytical Note | Pacific Affairs Vol. 82, No. 2; Summer 2009: p.231-250 |
| Journal Source | Pacific Affairs Vol. 82, No. 2; Summer 2009: p.231-250 |
| Key Words | Mongolia ; Communist Party ; Industrialization ; Urbanization ; Communism ; Civil Liberties ; Democracy |