Subject: This Month in Mongolian Studies - March 2022

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In this Issue:

ACMS Announcements 

ACMS Sponsored Programs and Events

Vacancies and Fellowships

Grants, Scholarships, Calls for Papers

New Resources

Other News and Events

Recent Books

This Month in Mongolian Studies is a monthly listing of selected academic activities, resources and other material related to Mongolia. This list is based on information the ACMS has received and is presented as a service to its members. If you would like to submit information to be included in next month's issue please contact the ACMS at info@mongoliacenter.org
This publication is supported in part by memberships.  Please consider becoming a member of the ACMS, or renewing your membership by visiting our website at
mongoliacenter.org/join

Thank you!

 
ACMS Announcements, News and Media References

Mongolia Field School priority deadline extended!

After carefully monitoring the COVID situation in Mongolia and abroad, we are confirming that based on current information and projections for summer, we are planning to run the in country Mongolia Field School for summer 2022. To facilitate participation, we are extending the Field School Priority Application deadline to March 31, 2022. All applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for fellowships of up to $2000

The Government of Mongolia downgraded its emergency level related to COVID-19 from orange to yellow, opening its border to foreign travelers. All applicants are required to be fully vaccinated and the ACMS will be complying with all safety requirements throughout the program in Mongolia.


The courses are open to a diverse range of participants, including undergraduate and graduate students, teachers and life-long learners, and offer an opportunity to experience learning and travel guided by academic experts in Ulaanbaatar and the beautiful Mongolian countryside.

  1. Word and Sound in Mongolian Culture (June 20 - 29)
  2. Climate Change and Herding: Incontrovertible Warning Signs and Local Responses (June 20 - July 3)
  3. Mongolian Buddhism, Nature, and Conservation (June 20 - July 7)
  4. Climate Change and Public Health: What does climate change mean for the people of Mongolia? (June 20 - July 7)
  5. Environment, Humans, and Mining in Northern Mongolia (July 25 - August 12)
A significant number of scholarships of up to $2,000 are available thanks to the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation and other donors, with awards based on need, diversity, and merit. Priority deadline for receipt of complete applications: March 31, 2022. Regular application deadline: April 30, 2022.


"Global Perspectives in Water" free online course now available on-demand

The course, developed and hosted by Dr. Avery Shinneman at the University of Washington Bothell (USA) concluded successfully on March 7, 2022. The course focused on topics of wastewater, the damming of rivers, and changes in groundwater/lakes in the U.S. and Mongolia. The course covered both the basic background science of water flow, pollution, and ecology and the ways scientists investigate these challenges. The course now has recorded background lectures, posted reading and video materials and live discussions with both US and Mongolian scientists sharing some their expertise and interest in water as well as the complexity of studying such an important resource.

The short course is free and open to any learner from the US, Mongolia or globally.

ACMS Sponsored Programs and Events
Please note that our VSS programming is alternating monthly between Mongolian and English as part of our larger plan to create inclusive and accessible discourse. March events will be held in English.
The second "Соёлын өв цуврал семинар" (Cultural Heritage Colloquium) event of the year was a panel talk, titled “Монголын музейн цахимжуулалтын чиг хандлага”, was held on February 25th, 10 AM ULAT. The main language of the colloquium was Mongolian.

Moving ahead, a workshop will be organized under the theme of this quarter, Museum Digitization, in March.


Dr. Baatar Shirchin, author, mongolist and software engineer, presented at our February Virtual Speaker Series about "The Life and Times of Luvsankhaidav, the Disciple of Noyon Gegeen" on Wed, Feb 23, 9pm EST. The presentation was in Mongolian and will soon be uploaded to ACMS YouTube channel with English subtitles. However, the full livestream is also available on the ACMS Facebook page.
Our February Virtual Panel was titled "The Mongolian Script's Digital Transformation", and held on Mon, Feb 28, 9am EST | 10pm ULAT. 

The panelists include editor-in-chief of the Khumun Bichig newspaper, and a member of the Mongolian script program implementation task force, Dr. Elbegzaya B., founder of  Chimege and Bolorsoft, Dr. Badral S., Mongolian Script scholar and software engineer, Dr. Enkhdalai B., and Mongolian Script developer and software engineer, Namujila Chaoge. The discussion was in Mongolian and will soon be uploaded to ACMS YouTube channel with English subtitles. However, the full livestream is also available on the ACMS Facebook page.
ACMS is starting a new quarterly series titled "Language Teaching Methodology Seminar", and held on Wed, March 10, 8pm ULAT. 

This quarter's speaker is Dr. Ganzorig Z, Mongolia representative of the TESOL Program at the Concordia University, Canada. The event will be held in Mongolian.

Vacancies and Fellowships

Communications Coordinator at ACMS

The ACMS is looking for a Communications Coordinator, who will:
  • Promote and maintain the visibility and reputation of the ACMS and its work on social media, mailing lists, and website,
  • Manage and maintain good relationships with Mongolian media outlets to secure and grow media coverage,
  • Ensure quality video recordings and editing of select ACMS events and promotional materials
  • Facilitate the research activities of international scholars working in Mongolia,
  • Act as liaison and representative for ACMS cultural heritage-related activities,
  • Assist in oral and written translation from both Mongolian to English and vice versa,
  • Assist in the development and identification of new programs and funding sources to support the mission of the ACMS CHP,
  • Oversee the annual communications budget and ensure its use is fully maximized and in line with ACMS financial policies and procedures,
  • Create informative, factual and interesting press releases, press kits, and related marketing materials,
  • Assist in the operation of the ACMS office.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate for this position will be a motivated professional with a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university, advanced interpersonal skills, strong computer/IT skills, fluent Mongolian, upper-intermediate English (written and spoken), strong research skills, and the ability to work well with a team. A solid understanding of cultural heritage or related fields is preferred.

For further details visit www.mongoliacenter.org. This is a full time position based on a year-long contract with the possibility of an extension. In order to apply, please submit the following materials (in English): a cover letter, current resume with contact information, and a list of three references to info@mongoliacenter.org no later than April 1, 2022 with the subject line “Application for Communications Coordinator”. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but we strongly encourage you to send your application as soon as possible.
Field School Coordinator at ACMS

The American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) is seeking a coordinator to oversee the development and delivery of the 2022 Mongolia Field School to be held in Ulaanbaatar and rural areas of Mongolia in June and July 2022.

The American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports academic projects and exchanges in Mongolia and the Inner Asian region. Since its founding in 2002, ACMS has provided more than $6 million in support of Mongolian Studies programs, including field research and academic exchange fellowships to more than 300 scholars from the United States, Mongolia and other countries. The ACMS has hosted more than 300 Speaker Series events and dozens of academic conferences and workshops.

The position is open and the review of applications will begin on March 15, 2022. The position is open and will be filled when a suitable candidate is identified.

The position will require full-time on-site work from the ACMS office in Ulaanbaatar from May 1-August 30, 2022. Part-time or flexible work arrangements will be made before and after this time period. The ACMS anticipates offering a Field School in summer 2023.

The qualifications of a successful candidate will generally include:
  • Experience working with international visitors in Mongolia through academic programs, tourism leadership, or work experience
  • A university degree and experience working within academic settings
  • Fluent English required, with Mongolian language fluency preferred
The Field School Coordinator will work closely with ACMS staff members to:
  • Assist with promotion and marketing of the Field School
  • Assist in the processing and consideration of applications and fellowship awards
  • Support logistical planning for the Field School including transportation, accommodation and meals, safety, and other aspects of the program together with program faculty and ACMS staff
  • Communicate with course instructors on logistical support
  • Work with service providers to negotiate terms of service and program options
  • Assist in the development and dissemination of pre-arrival materials including orientation and course packets, travel information for participants, safety plans and other materials.
  • Lead the delivery of the program orientation and group activities in Ulaanbaatar
  • Support the successful delivery of Field School courses
  • Gather feedback and information from participants and write post-program evaluations
  • Support the development of the 2023 Field School including discussion of course topics and leaders, program marketing and promotion and future innovations.
Applications must be submitted no later than March 15, 2022 to info@mongoliacenter.org with the subject line “Application for Field School Coordinator”. Interested applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter.
Acquisitions Editor Specializing in Buddhism at Shambala and Snow Lion Publications

This position is primarily responsible for acquiring 12-15 book projects on the area of Buddhism (with an emphasis on Tibetan Buddhism) and overseeing the developmental editing of a similar amount of projects per year. These books should align to the Company’s Mission and Vision.

Key Accountabilities:
  • Responsible for commissioning new projects and evaluating submitted proposals.
  • Stay current in subject areas and trends in the field to identify potential new authors. Reach out to possible new authors by phone and email.
  • Assist authors in concepting and developing a proposal (and possibly sample material) that meet reader and market needs.
  • Pitch new projects to the Publisher, Executive Team and Editorial Board.
  • Prepare a P+L statement for each book.
  • Make an offer to Author/agent. Negotiate advance, royalties, length, images/visuals, timing, etc.
  • Work closely with authors to shape the content, style, and approach of each book.
  • Developmentally edit or oversee the developmental edit of manuscripts, including big-picture content, organization, what is missing, what makes sense, etc.
  • Prepare manuscript for the production process with Assistant/Associate editors. Guide the manuscript throughout the production process.
  • Provide input on title, cover, and interior design. Create cover copy.
  • Solicit endorsements for the book.
  • Launch projects internally to Marketing, Publicity, Production, and Editorial Teams.
  • When needed, seasonally present lead titles to Penguin Random House.
  • Act as the liaison to the Author, supporting, educating, problem-solving, etc. Relay feedback and issues from other departments. Editor serves as the main point of communication with the Author.
  • Attend meetings as needed, including Editorial meeting, Title meeting, Cover meeting, Launch meetings, Marketing and Publicity meetings, all-office meetings.
  • Occasionally will attend conferences and off-site meetings.
Job Qualifications:

Knowledge:
  • Understand market trends, conduct frequent market research
  • Good knowledge of the industry
  • Content expertise in the subject areas the Company publishes into, including Buddhism and other religious traditions.
  • This position requires strong connections within Buddhist practice communities and teachers, as well as in the Buddhist Studies world. A basic knowledge of Tibetan language is a plus but not required.
Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent project management skills
  • Some general presentation skills
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Skilled in developmental editing
  • General problem-solving skills
  • Ability to adhere and meet tight deadlines
  • Handles unique and challenging problems on a regular basis
  • Understands finances of book acquisition and factors that contribute to overall profitability
Education:
  • BA degree in related area
  • Master’s degree beneficial but not required
  • Experience:
5+ years industry experience or equivalent (e.g., 5+ years of editorial work in academia or another related context)

Salary range: $41,596-$83,193

Deadline: May 5, 2022

Mongolian-U.S. Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP)

The Mongolian-U.S. National Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP) is a 9-week professional development program created by the US-Asia Institute (USAI) in coordination with the Embassy of Mongolia in Washington, DC. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Mongolian American or permanent resident young adults to gain a firsthand look at the American government and political system in Washington DC, to engage civically, and to reflect on the role they, as future leaders, might play in strengthening the US-Mongolia relationship.

MUNCEP introduces the chosen participants to their roles and responsibilities in becoming engaged in their community and beyond. It provides them with the skills and knowledge to participate in and transform into leaders in the democratic and electoral processes as well as civil society through a series of hands-on and interactive workshops, networking opportunities, placement in professional development/internship positions in Washington, D.C, one-on-one mentorship, and the completion of a civic engagement project.

This program provides these young people with the opportunity to intern on a national level in various offices of elected officials, public agencies or in organizations involved in the political/government/policy influencing arena, such as the U.S. Congress, government agencies, non-governmental organizations.. This opportunity helps develop a stronger understanding of how government and the political system work by experiencing it from an insider’s perspective. Further, the program prepares these young leaders to participate in the civic arena, developing skills for those interested in public service and/or in becoming citizens involved in their communities. Not only is this an invaluable professional experience, but also benefits the Mongolian American community by increasing the interest of Mongolian Americans in American politics and civic engagement in the future.

The program also highlights professional development at its core. Each participant is matched with a mentor based on professional and career goals, offering individualized support and guidance to our program participants in helping them navigate their future professional careers and expand their networks. The program also features a variety of group and individual networking opportunities and professional development workshops.

In the United States, participation in the political process and being civically engaged are crucial to ensuring that a community’s needs and concerns are heard and addressed. The MUNCEP program is one way to achieve this objective by finding a more effective way to support the Mongolian community in the US’s new generation to represent their own community politically and civically.

For application requirements and deadlines, please click below.


Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Competition now open

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards for U.S. citizens to teach, research, and conduct professional projects in more than 130 countries. In the current competition, there are 41 awards in East Asia and the Pacific. To see what's available in your field, explore our Catalog of Awards. You can join the more than 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections and greater mutual understanding.

Interested faculty and professionals are encouraged to visit our website where you will find program details, application guidance and other resources. We also invite you to view current opportunities in the Catalog of Awards, join a webinar or attend an office hour for live application assistance.

The application deadline is September 15, 2022. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.


Grants, Scholarships, and Calls for Paper


Call for Papers: "The Journal of Northeast Asian History Vol. 17

The Northeast Asian History Foundation continues to expand its interaction with scholars specializing in Asian history and related fields outside East Asia. The Foundation is also strengthening its ties with leading institutions and scholars by encouraging interdisciplinary and comparative approaches to research on geopolitical, cultural, educational, and other issues in East Asia.

The Foundation publishes the Journal of Northeast Asian History (JNAH), a peer-reviewed semi-annual English-language journal that focuses on history-based approaches to Asian politics, cultures, economy and other fields to shed light on the historical realities of the Asian World. The Journal's geographical scope extends to other parts of the world which have significant relevancy to Asian history, thus charting globalism and localism from global perspectives.

The Journal of Northeast Asian History calls for the submission of outstanding and unpublished papers for review and possible publication in summer 2021. We invite colleagues to consider the Journal when seeking to publish ongoing research since we believe this can be an impetus for further scholarly collaboration in the future. For full consideration, please submit manuscripts by March 15 of 2021.

Please contact us at jnah@nahf.or.kr or jnah.nahf@gmail.com should you have any questions regarding the journal, its submission process or subscription to it.


Call for Proposals: "Silk Road Youth Research Grant" by UNESCO 

As part of the Silk Roads Programme’s ongoing work to better understand the rich history and shared legacy and spirit of the Silk Roads, UNESCO, with the support of the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO, launched the ‘Silk Roads Youth Research Grant’ in 2021 within the framework of the Social and Human Sciences Sector. The second edition has been launched on 1 March 2022.

This initiative, which aims to mobilize young researchers for further study of the Silk Roads shared heritage, will award 12 research grants to young women and men under 35 years of age.

Grant applicants are invited to address areas of academic study which relate to the shared heritage and plural identities of the Silk Roads, as well as its internal diversity, and potential in contemporary societies for creativity, intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, regional and international cooperation, and ultimately sustainable peace and development.

The call for proposals for the second edition of the Silk Roads Youth Research Grant is now open, we invite you to read the sections below for more information before submitting your application.

A broad array of research fields, including multidisciplinary and multidimensional proposals not limited to one specific region or chronology, are eligible. Proposed research may cover one or several themes associated with the Silk Roads shared heritage including, but not limited to:
  • Science and Technology and Traditional Knowhow
  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Language and Literature
  • Arts and Music
  • Traditional Sports and Games
  • Economy and Trade
  • The Legacy of the Silk Roads and Contemporary Issues
However, proposed research must focus on the results of cultural interactions and exchanges, and within a given field must showcase the concrete resulting elements, be they tangible or intangible, as identifiable in two or more cultures along the Silk Roads and beyond. Research may be interdisciplinary in approach, and where possible, provide dynamic and novel ideas on the processes of exchange and transformation along the Silk Roads and its meaning and value in contemporary societies.

Applicants are required to submit a proposal by using the standard template provided here detailing their research, its methods, expected outcomes and contribution to existing scholarship. Proposals should be submitted in English.

The call for proposals will run from 1 March to 31 May 2022, with the grant awardees announced at the end of September 2022 following the evaluation process.



Call for Papers: "Annual Meeting of the Mongolia Society 2022"

The 2022 Annual Meeting and Panels of The Mongolia Society will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. The Society is meeting in conjunction with CESS (Central Eurasian Studies Society), which meets October 20-23, 2022. Further information on the Society’s Annual Meeting and Panels will be available at a later date.

The Mongolia Society is placing a CALL FOR PAPERS for the 2022 Annual Meeting and Panels. We invite papers on Mongolian history, language and culture. Abstracts should be submitted to The Mongolia Society office, no later than September 1, 2022. The abstract must contain the paper title, be no more than 300 words, and include your contact information (email address and telephone number). If your abstract is accepted, you will have 20 minutes to present your paper. Zoom presenters are welcome.

Please send your abstract to Susie Drost at monsoc@indiana.edu

Please note that you must be a member of The Mongolia Society in order to present a paper. To Join the Society, you may pay online (via Paypal and Stripe) at https://www.mongoliasociety.org/membership-types or contact Susie Drost at the address and telephone number provided above.

ATTENDANCE DONATION for the 2022 Mongolia Society Annual Meeting and Panels will be $15 for Mongolia Society Members, $25 for Non-Members and $10 for students with ID. You may pay your donation (via Paypal or Stripe) by going to our website’s home page (www.mongoliasociety.org) and clicking the‘Donation’ button the right hand side, at the top of the page. When prompted to ‘add additional information,’ please add ‘Annual Meeting.’ Or, you may contact Susie Drost. The Attendance Donation fee must be paid by October 20, 2022. You will be sent a receipt for your donation that you can use as your entry pass to these events.

*The Society is offering a special discounted membership rate when new members join and pay the Annual Meeting Attendance Donation at the same time. It will cost only $40 for new U.S. members, $50 for Foreign members, to both join the Society and attend the Annual Meeting and Panels.



Call for Submissions: "E. Gene Smith Inner Asia Book Prize" by AAS

Named to honor the distinguished scholar of Tibet, Mongolia, and other areas of Inner Asia, the E. Gene Smith Book Prize, offered biennially, honors outstanding and innovative scholarship across discipline and country of specialization for a book on Inner Asia.

Books nominated may address either contemporary or historical topics in any field of the humanities or the social sciences related to any of the countries and regions in the wide swath of Asia stretching from the eastern border of Afghanistan to Mongolia, i.e., Tibet, Xinjiang or Mongolia, including peoples coming recently from those areas.

Prize
$1,000 award for the author.

Guidelines for Submission
Only books bearing a copyright date of 2019 or 2020 will be eligible for the 2022 awards.
Publishers must complete the book nomination form.
Each press may nominate a maximum of six books for the Smith Prize.
Only publishers may nominate books.
Upon receipt of a completed nomination form, publishers will be provided with addresses for prize committee members. A copy of each entry, clearly labeled “E. Gene Smith Inner Asia Book Prize,” must be sent to each member of the appropriate committee.
Deadline
Nominations must be received by July 15, 2021 to be eligible for the 2022 awards.



New Resources
Interesting digital resource we discovered in February, 2022:
  • "Buddhist Digital Resource Center": Dedicated to seeking out, preserving, documenting, and disseminating Buddhist literature, this nonprofit's website provides scholars, translators, Buddhist practitioners, and the general public with access to an unparalleled collection of Buddhist texts. Joining digital technology with scholarship, BDRC ensures that the cultural treasures of 
the Buddhist literary tradition are secure and accessible for generations to come.
Member contribution publications:
(We received the following announcement of publication from our members. If you would like to announce your publication, please reach out to us at info@mongoliacenter.org)
Selected scholarly articles published in February, 2022:
Other News and Events

FEATURE ARTICLES AND EVENTS ON MONGOLIAN STUDIES
"Mongolian Film Festival" | London, UK (March 12-14)
Showcasing award-winning mainstream, indie & short films produced & co-produced by Mongolian creatives...

"The National Mongolian Studies Development Policy Discussion" | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (March 10)
The national universities and institutes are to discuss the development policy of the field of Mongolian studies...


"Minority languages on social media" | Language on the Move
Here, we are looking at the role of the Mongolian language social media Bainu (meaning “hello or are you there”) in disseminating metalinguistic discourses in China...


Recent Books

"A History of Mongolian Shamanism" By Dalai Chuluunii and Erdene-Otgon Dalai

Price: 89.00 USD (paper) 62 pages. Springer, Singapore
This book discusses the evolution of Mongolian shamanism from the distant past to the collapse of great empires such as the Yuan Dynasty in the fourteenth century, drawing on archeological findings and historical resources like the Mongolian Secret History. Further, it introduces readers to the cultural and ideological differences between Mongolian shamanists, who believe in the Eternal Blue Sky, and modern Mongols, who follow Buddhist teachings. In closing, the authors put forward the idea that Mongolian shamanism could have helped build great empires, emphasizing, e.g., shamanism’s influence on Mongolian culture and literature in the Middle Ages.

Academician Dalai Chuluunii (1930-2009) was Director and Academic Secretariat at the Institute of Oriental Studies, the Institute of International Studies and the Institute of History, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Mongolia. He also served at the Diplomatic Service of Mongolia in Peking, China. He graduated from Peking University, People’s Republic of China (1958), and received his Ph.D. in History (1970) and Sc.D. in Mongolian History from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Mongolia (1986). His main research works focused on Mongolian History, Sinology, Oriental Studies, and the History of International Relations. He was the author of 20 monographs and co-author of 13 books, as well as 100 articles in Mongolian and foreign languages such as Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Czech, etc. He was awarded the Honorary Scientist of Mongolia (1996) and other major prizes from academic organizations in, e.g., Russia, China and Japan.

"When I'm Gone, Look for Me in the East" By Amy Quan Barry

Price: 27.00 USD (paper) 62 pages. Springer, Singapore
Tasked with finding the reincarnation of a great lama—a spiritual teacher who may have been born anywhere in the vast Mongolian landscape—the young monk Chuluun sets out with his identical twin, Mun, who has rejected the monastic life they once shared. Their relationship will be tested on this journey through their homeland as each possesses the ability to hear the other’s thoughts.

Proving once again that she is a writer of immense range and imagination, Quan Barry carries us across a terrain as unforgiving as it is beautiful and culturally varied, from the western Altai mountains to the eerie starkness of the Gobi Desert to the ancient capital of Chinggis Khaan. As their country stretches before them, questions of faith—along with more earthly matters of love and brotherhood—haunt the twins.
Are our lives our own, or do we belong to something larger? When I’m Gone, Look for Me in the East is a stunningly far-flung examination of our individual struggle to retain our convictions and discover meaning in a fast-changing world, as well as a meditation on accepting what simply is.

Born in Saigon and raised in Massachusetts, QUAN BARRY is the author of the novels She Weeps Each Time You’re Born and We Ride Upon Sticks (winner of the 2020 ALA Alex Award), and four books of poetry, including Water Puppets (winner of the AWP Donald Hall Prize for Poetry and a PEN Open Book finalist). Barry’s first play, The Mytilenean Debate, premiers in the spring of 2022. She is the Lorraine Hansberry Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

A Thousand Steps to Parliament" By Manduhai Buyandelger

Price: 32.50 USD (paper) 288 pages. UChicago Press
A Thousand Steps to Parliament traces how the complicated, contradictory paths to political representation that women in Mongolia must walk mirror those the world over.

Mongolia has often been deemed an “island of democracy,” commended for its rapid adoption of free democratic elections in the wake of totalitarian socialism. The democratizing era, however, brought alongside it a phenomenon that Manduhai Buyandelger terms “electionization”—a restructuring of elections from time-grounded events into a continuous, neoliberal force that governs everyday life beyond the electoral period. In A Thousand Steps to Parliament, she shows how campaigns in Mongolia have come to substitute for the functions of governing, from social welfare to the private sector. Such long-term, high-investment campaigns depend on an accumulation of wealth and power beyond the reach of most women candidates. Given their limited financial means and outsider status, successful women candidates instead use strategies of self-polishing to cultivate charisma and a reputation for being oyunlag, or intellectful. This carefully and intentionally crafted identity can be called the “electable self”: treating their bodies and minds as pliable and renewable, women candidates draw from the same practices of neoliberalism that have unsustainably commercialized elections. A Thousand Steps to Parliament traces how the complicated, contradictory paths to representation that women in Mongolia must walk mirror those the world over, revealing an urgent need to grapple with the encroaching effects of neoliberalism in democracies globally.


Manduhai Buyandelger is professor of anthropology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the author of Tragic Spirits: Shamanism, Gender, and Memory in Contemporary Mongolia, also published by the University of Chicago Press.
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