There is a concept of evolution drawn by Charles Darwin. It is universally accepted view that via evolution "species" evolve, based on the environment, needs, etc. It is a change results from interactions between processes that introduce variation into a population, and other processes that remove it. Despite organic evolution, this concept is applied throughout different spheres, be it technical, mental, or economic.Mongolia is not an exclusion from concept of evolution. It has been evolving over many thousand years since its inception. Mongolians were evolving as earliest nomads, weird shamans, barbaric warriors, imitators of Soviet empire, inexperienced democrats, and crazy capitalists. My minuscule knowledge wouldn't be enough to summarize true and all evolutionary steps of Mongolia and its citizens. However, I'm trying to summarize evolution of Mongolia and its people for the last 20 years through my eyes.
I was born in 1980 in Moscow. Don't remember anything from that period, where my parents were students for 4 years. I guess, number of "comrades" of our age would tell the similar story, as it was popular for Mongolians to study in Russia. It was "almost West, most developed economy" for us. From tales told by our parents and grandparents, it was best period to live within Soviet empire. If you had education, your job would be ready for you when you graduate. After working 3-5 years for State, you would "earn" free apartment with 1 or 2 bedrooms, depending on the size of the family. Child education was free, safe, and best possible. Health sector was booming with help from Soviet brothers and it was free to everyone. One had constant salary, provided housing, free education, health treatment. What could you ask more?
I was lucky to finish one of the best schools in that period, No. 23, which was Russian school up until early 1990's. Russian was taught from the preparatory grade and Mongolian was introduced only in 3rd grade. Even now, I understand some concepts better in Russian or English than in Mongolian. Many people from our generation was raised on the leftovers of Russian influence. Language, culture, views... I can still remember a part from old Russian hymn, whereas I don't know any words to hymn of Mongolia. Regrettable.
"Wind of Change" have been blowing to Mongolia since 1990. At that time, we were 4th grade student. All our subjects were now taught in Mongolian. Many Russian teachers were evacuated from UB. I remember our classmates used to make fun of our new Mongolian teachers, over their weird accents, as they tried to teach in Russian. We were cruel kids. We are the generation fortunate enough to see and experience both regimes: socialism and capitalism, and unfortunate enough to be ripped apart by sudden changes in everything that surrounded us. We are byproduct of unexpected evolution.
It has been 20 years since that dramatic change and people say Mongolia is still in transition period. No one knows how long will be this transition and when it will end. Are we transiting now?
In the 1990s, Mongolia looked up to economies, other than Russia, as it was left in ruins. We copied and pasted our Constitution from US, other laws and regulations from Western societies. Nothing was left from old regime, except old houses, closed factories, and Russian cars. Odd mix of new Western identity with old Mongolian tradition was flourishing.
We have seen many good and bad outcomes from the last "democratic evolution." People's minds were not prepared to loose their free and provided livelihood. Sudden change from Utopian state to complete chaotic and capitalist society was not easy on many people. Many have become alcoholics, unemployed, and simply poor. We were not used to working like asses and getting paid for what we have accomplished. It was odd having to pay for education and health treatments. Even now, many want that social benefits to exist like in socialism era.
Capitalism have brought to Mongolia Hollywood movies, Western cars, idea of private property, cellular phones, internet, poverty vs wealth, English language, new technologies, etc. 15 years ago it was almost unimaginable for ordinary one to have a car and a cellular phone, such that I made a wish to have all that when I grow up. Nowadays, almost every family, if not everyone, have mobile phone. Most households in UB are hooked up to internet. Almost, no one drive Russian cars anymore. English is so popular that ordinary people swear using f... and sh.. words.
You might say that UB (more than 1.5 mln people out of whole population of 2.7 mln live in capital city) is not the whole country and I'm omitting people in the countryside. Things have changed in the countryside too. Now, they have TVs, satellite dish, some have wireless internet, but lifestyle haven't changed that much. Most of the nomads as they were 20 years ago. However, livestock is now owned by herders not State.
All in all, evolution was kicking in Mongolia many times throughout its history. When in 13th century, when we were conquering half of the planet, in late 19th century, where we defeated the Chinese (Manju) army and declared our independence. It once more kicked our butts in late 20th century, where we embraced democracy and welcomed capitalism. Now, I feel that it will do its trick again very soon, making Mongolia either Saudi Arabia or Africa of Asia, depending on steps we take further on with our rich natural resources.
