Images of Russia and Russians in Mongolia: Historical Memory and Modernity

Abstract

The article attempts to provide a brief introduction to the history of images of Russia and Russians in Mongolia, reveal the sources of Russia’s stable prestige, and examine the current state of relations between the nighboring nations with evidence from historical studies and opinion polls. The available studies testify that due to rare and short-lived mutual contacts before the mid-19th century the image of Russians in Mongolia had been ambiguous enough. Still, from then onwards, i.e. after the Russian Consular Agency was opened in Urga and some commercial activities initiated by Russians in Mongolia, the situation started changing. The paper shows that the Mongolian generalized image of Russians has been compiled through the diverse circustances as follows: 1) Mongolia and Russia have sustained good neighborly relations for centuries; 2) another essential favorable factor is that Russia’s plans towards Mongolia never contained any annexation-of-teritory elements which contributed to the image of Russia as Mongolia’s protector state, Russians thus acting as friendly neighbors; 3) it is through Russia that Mongolia was able to become familiar with European culture which also contributed to ‘Russia’s prestige’; the international relations rose to the new level after Mongolia gained independence from the Qing Empire. In other words, Russia had been synonymic to the ‘West’ in Mongolia, and the trend evolved throughout the Soviet period in scientific, cultural, and humanitarian contacts; 4) one more important aspect was the goodwill of Russians as such, that directly determined the success of Russia’s image. In the 20th century, Russians and Mongols have had close links, and Mongolian sympathies towards the nothern neighbors are to be seen up till now. The basis of that is constituted by the historical tradition and stable relations, common Eurasian civilizational constants taking the form of psychological comfort, and the indelible historical memory. However, it should be noted that in the context of the USSR’s direct ideological influence on the MPR the relations between the countries were definitely to experience some negative consequences. The once established ‘elder/younger brothers’ relational principle implying the USSR’s leadership in relations with Mongolia resulted in the fact that during the Socialist era the Soviets had significant influence on the Mongolian community, the Mongols being quite concerned over the very relational scheme. The conducted opinion polls regarding the current development of foreign policies confirm that Russia still enjoys great credibility, and Mongolia remains a part of the Russian language space. In conclusion, the image of Russia and Russians in Mongolia has remained generally positive for centuries which allows the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Mongolia K. I. Azizov to daclare that ‘Russia is open for the long-standing and unfailing friend - Mongolia ’.