Episode 9: Are there any Progressive Movements in Mongolia?
In this episode of The Great State Mural: Mongolia Portrayed, we explore why progressive movements have struggled to take root in Mongolia. Despite three decades of democracy, the country has made significant progress in social equality, labor rights, environmental justice, and gender equity. However, national politics frequently ignores and fails to recognize these accomplishments.
In Mongolia today, public debate and political discourse lean heavily toward libertarian and capitalist ideas, with media often amplifying right-wing perspectives. But why do progressive movements and ideas receive so little attention? Is this neglect rooted in Mongolia’s socialist past, or are other forces at play?We talk with Khishigtugs Amarbayasgalan, a sociology graduate student at the University of Mannheim, whose viral social media posts on inequality, capitalism, and progressive ideas have sparked debate in Mongolia. He shares his perspective on why progressive movements have struggled to gain traction in the country — and what it will take to change that.
Three Universals “The Three Progressives of Mongolia”:
Human progress is dialectical
actual progress is made by a group
progressives are a crowd but not a movement
Pocketcast | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
49min
Hosts: Anand, Dolgion, Julian
Guest: Khishigtugs A
Date Recorded: Aug 22 2025
Date Released: Sept 17 2025
Keywords: politics | inequality | progressive
Mention of Chinggis Khaan: 1
Show notes:
Khishigtugs Mongolia Focus post: May Day by Natsagdorj