Alicia Campi — research professor at Johns Hopkins University and American Mongolist
“The reason Mongolia has been able to coexist between two powerful states is due to their unpredictable behavior,” says the American expert in Mongolian studies.

Alicia Campi, a research professor at Johns Hopkins University, is an expert on Mongolia and China. In her career, she spent 14 years working in the U.S. State Department's diplomatic service in countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, and Mongolia. Since 2013, she has also been a fellow at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where she actively studies the processes of democratization in Mongolia after the Cold War, as well as the geopolitical aspects of Northeast Asia and U.S.-Mongolian relations.

Alicia Campi highlights ten features that make Mongolia unique.

1. One of the key traits of the Mongols is their independence from Chinese culture. Social norms and views in Mongolia do not align with Confucian teachings, and every Mongol has their own perspective.

2. Mongolia, being a landlocked country situated between two powers, has throughout its history been influenced by its neighbors, which in turn has affected its development. Mongolia's future, due to its geographical position, cannot escape the influence of these two major neighbors.

3. Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Mongolia significantly depend on the interactions between the U.S. and China, as well as with Russia.

4. As a specialist who has studied the history of Mongolia, I am aware of the complex relationships between China and Mongolia, which have deep historical roots. The Mongols and Chinese have experienced mutual animosity, and improving relations requires seeking diplomatic avenues.

5. The nomadic heritage of the Mongols and their mentality represent unique qualities that grant the people flexibility and the ability to adapt to difficult conditions.

6. Mongols strive for democracy, advocating for their views. However, despite this, there is a lack of teamwork and patience in their culture. I caution against excessive criticism when it comes to corruption.

7. The small population of Mongolia creates challenges in labor issues, especially during the transition to democracy. My experience at the U.S. embassy in 1990 showed that there were no qualified specialists to carry out the necessary projects.

8. The perception of Mongolia outside the country is often associated with Genghis Khan and endless steppes, which is a result of the Western educational process.

Nevertheless, the modern economy of Mongolia is focused on the mining industry, and the legal system remains unstable. As an expert, I am convinced that Mongolia will never become predictable due to its nomadic nature, which is quite similar to the situation in the U.S.

9. Although Mongols may outwardly resemble Asians, they are not part of that group. Mongolia remains a mystery among the countries of the region, and its unstable politics create an impression of a lack of prospects.

10. “Mongolia could have disappeared from world history, but it still exists.” Instead of focusing on the negative, it is worth considering how the Mongols managed to maintain their independence when many countries around them disappeared.

— I consider myself fortunate to have studied the history of Mongolia and served my country. My experience in diplomacy and interest in foreign policy have helped me gain a deeper understanding of this country. I strive to learn more about its economic and environmental issues, domestic politics, and social matters. My contribution lies in understanding the unique nomadic heritage of Mongolia and its culture. Mongols, as an Asian people, are not oriented towards Confucianism. This allows them to perceive ideas on equal terms, which distinguishes them from their neighbors. Mongolia has not disappeared because its people value equality and possess flexibility. The Mongols have a mysterious quality that attracts foreigners, even if they do not adhere to accepted norms. I take pride in being able to connect two different cultures and promote mutual understanding between our peoples.

prepared by MiddleAsianNews

Published Date:2026-04-14