B. Altankhuu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65816/jsds.2025.04.004

KEYWORDS: Balancing strategy; Hedging strategy; Small state security; Balance of Power; Balance of Threat; Balance of Interests; Mongolia; Third neighbor policy

ABSTRACT:
This article examines the theoretical foundations of balancing strategies in international relations and their relevance for the security of small states, with particular reference to Mongolia. The study situates the concept of balancing within classical and neo-realist traditions, while also exploring liberal and constructivist perspectives that highlight the agency of small states. It reviews key theoretical approaches-balance of power, balance of threat, and balance of interests-and contrasts them with related strategies such as neutrality, bandwagoning, hedging, and alliance-building. By integrating comparative insights from leading scholars, the article shows that balancing remains a vital framework for small states to navigate geopolitical competition and safeguard sovereignty. Mongolia’s foreign policy practice, notably its “third neighbor” policy and multivector diplomacy, reflects a hybrid form of external and soft balancing combined with hedging. The analysis underscores both the academic significance and practical applicability of balancing strategies for ensuring Mongolia’s national security in an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment.

Үндэсний аюулгүй байдлыг хангахад гадаад бодлогын стратеги: Тэнцвэржүүлэх стратеги, түүний онолын үндэс

Б.Алтанхүү¹

1. Үндэсний аюулгүй байдлын зөвлөлийн Стратеги судалгааны хүрээлэн ↩︎