Buddhism and post-secular society: socio-religious processes in Mongolia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries

Abstract

The article examines the primary trends in the evolution of socio-religious dynamics in Mongolia during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It offers a historical analysis of the interplay between the state and religious institutions following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the democratic reforms of the 1990s. The conclusion of the 20th century marked a notable increase in religiosity, with Buddhism maintaining a prominent role. Concurrently, influenced by global developments, there was an emergence of Protestantism and other non-traditional religious movements. The findings indicate that contemporary Mongolian society exhibits characteristics of post-secularity, characterized by active engagement between political authorities and the Buddhist clergy, as evidenced by public declarations from the nation's leadership. While it can be asserted that Mongolian society remains largely religious, there is a discernible trend of rising atheism among the youth. Recently, there has been a growing demand within Mongolian society for the establishment of a national ideology that can unify diverse social and political factions, with Buddhism being proposed as the most suitable religion to achieve this cohesion among the Mongolian populace.