In Geopolitics Today - Friday, July 16th
Mongolian Soft Power for the Conflict in Korea and Iranian Threats Don’t Match Iranian Actions
Mongolian Soft Power Seeks to Solve Conflict in Korea
Small states have historically had very little say in geopolitical outcomes. But by looking at the actions of smaller international players through the lens of Joseph Nye’s “soft power,” it is possible for a the researcher to untap the potential for understanding the exertions of power of small states.
Mongolian policy toward the longstanding conflict on the Korean Peninsula is one such demonstration of a small, geopolitically minor power which is able to accomplish desired outcomes with limited means. Through its efforts in peace mediation, Mongolia’s diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula have facilitated the potential for the country to broaden its foreign policy influence in regional affairs. Mongolia’s role in the Peninsula emphasises the significance of small states’ use of soft power in diplomacy.
As its Third Neighbour policy has matured, Ulaanbaatar’s relationship with Seoul has deepened ties in several fields, particularly in politics, economics, and culture. The two nations host an annual ministerial meeting as a means of exchanging foreign policy positions, South Korea is among Mongolia’s largest trading partners. Culturally, Mongolia remains a top tourist destination for Koreans, being the preferred immigration destination for Mongolian, and while also hosting the largest Mongolian diaspora abroad.
The nations maintain positive ties even today. Mongolia’s diplomatic efforts have proved that small nations can effectively employ soft power means foreign policy goals. Mongolia’s mediation efforts through the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue have been a regional boon by thawing a frozen conflict with North Korea, and the country has worked to revive diplomatic channels in search of a solution to tensions.
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Iranian Threats Don’t Match Iranian Actions
While Iran might often present itself to international audiences as a powerful Islamic Republic, in reality, writes Hilal Khashan, it is a weak country. This assessment is largely due to two key factors: that its military hardware is obsolete; and that its economy is in a dire state. Iran has in many ways succeeded in transforming its capabilities into valuable military assets in a turbulent region, but this should not be confused with strength.
Despite the firey statements that often come from Iranian officials, the government is careful not to overplay its hand internationally. Tehran is well aware that acting on their threats may lead to consequences they provoke a response they’d rather avoid. For instance, the killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US drone in 2020 was followed by a rhetorical declaration of war by Tehran, but the retaliation to the assassination of a high-level official was relatively feeble.
Tehran can be said to understand the rules of the game, and it abides by them. Sometimes a part of its policy may be to use threats in order to make itself appear more powerful, but on the whole any such threats may be grossly exaggerated given the state of its armed forces.
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