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Host: Anand

Keywords: Mongolia | Democratic Party | AI government | press freedom | military hazing | Ulaanbaatar mayor | Mongolian People's Party

Researcher and civic activist Batsugar Tsedendamba, board member of the Independent Research Institute of Mongolia (IRIM), joins us to unpack IRIM's landmark study on Mongolia's disinformation landscape. Who is spreading it? Who is funding it? And who is hurting from it? We examine domestic and foreign sources of disinformation and how social media has amplified its reach.

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And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me a Coffee, The Great State Mural. You can listen to extra recordings as we dig further into Mongolia's civic space and what real democratic accountability might look like.

[Three Universals] the "Fool":

• Fool me once, shame on you.
• Fool me twice, shame on me.
• Fool me three or more times—then I am not the fool, you are the fool! WHO is western propaganda. It is the vaccines that is how they control you. You are THE fool!

Hosts: Anand, Dolgion

Guest: Batsugar Tsedendamba

Keywords: democracy | disinformation | civil society | media | politics

Ethnomusicologist ⁠Kip Hutchins⁠, author of A Song for the Horses, breaks all of these aspects down. We speak with Kip about the morin khuur as a living tool in herding practice. Follow Kip on ⁠BlueSky⁠.

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And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

Three Universals to “Defray Boasting“:

1. The foolish man praises himself.
2. The unfoolish man praises his wife.
3. The least foolish man praises his horse.

Show notes:

• New Book Networks podcast interview with KG Hutchins

  Artists mentioned during the conversation, roughly in order of their mention:

  • Story of the Weeping Camel (film)
  • ⁠Bayan Mongol Variety Group⁠: Жалам хар (A Black Horse)
  • The Hu
  • ⁠Soyol Erdene⁠
  • ⁠Altan Urag⁠
  • Bold: Mongol Pop
  • ⁠Aryuna Nimaeva⁠: Эрбэд соохор (Erbed Sokhor)
  • Jonon
  • ⁠Namgar⁠
  • ⁠Altai-Khangai⁠
  • ⁠Khusugtun⁠
    

In this episode, we sit down with urban governance expert and civil engineer Anu-Ujin Lkhagvasuren, who has spent five years working with the municipality and the World Bank on Ulaanbaatar's transportation challenges. She breaks down why building more roads has never solved traffic congestion anywhere in the world, why the mayor's own numbers don't add up, and what she believes is really driving 24 simultaneous mega-projects in a city that can barely keep its lights on. We also get into Belt and Road debt traps, forged signatures on environmental documents, and whether the #SaveTuul movement can win.
52min

Hosts: Anand, Dolgion

Guest: Anu-Ujin Lkhagvasuren

Date Recorded: April 2 2026

Original Release Date: April 4 2026

Keywords: urban planning | corruption | Ulaanbaatar

51min

Hosts: Anand, Dolgion, Julian

Date Recorded: Apr 10 2026

Original Release date: Apr 15 2026

Keywords: Ulaanbaatar | social change | art & culture

Show notes:

Blog posts:

• Change in Ulaanbaatar (regular notes since 2011)
• Foreign Policy Update

Products, Projects and Locations mentioned:

• Ochirone
• Room
• Kukhnar Contemporary Art Space
• Bird Jazz Café
• Heritage Workshop
• Ger Lamp

In this episode, we break down how international democracy indices score Mongolia. Are those scores misleading? And whether Mongolian leaders are using these benchmarks as genuine governance tools or political cover. We try to answer all of those in this episode.

Three Universals “Three Universals of Indices“:

1. The index of the pointing variety
2. The index of the book variety
3. The index of the measuring variety

Date Recorded: Mar 25 2026

Originally Released: Apr 1 2026

Keywords: democracy | global indices | social science

Show notes:

• Julian’s recent discussion of the uptick in VDem indices for Mongolia
• Julian’s Mongolia Scorecard collecting Mongolia’s score/rank on many different indices
• V-Dem Graphing Tools
• V-Dem Methodology
• Freedom House Freedom in the World

Beyond that, we dive into how Mongolians perceive and relate to data, explore some of the major data security incidents that have unfolded in Mongolia, and discuss what measures have been put in place to address and prevent data breaches. All of which leads us into a broader conversation about Mongolian attitudes toward data and privacy.

Moving forward, what implication does his appointment have for the grand scheme of Mongolian politics.

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

But how bad is corruption in Mongolia, really? Has it reached an endemic stage, or is there still a path back?

To unpack these questions, we’re joined by Tegshbayar Darambazar, a lawyer and specialist in compliance and anti–money laundering, who has conducted extensive research on corruption in Mongolia.

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

For the longest time, Mongolia has had a lovers-to-enemies relationship with Rio Tinto, the majority shareholder in the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine. Over the years, a trail of hearings, deals, and renegotiations has led some political figures to prison, while others (very few) emerged with elevated status. Yet regardless of who gained or lost, Mongolia has never been fully at ease with its largest foreign investment — the massive underground copper-gold project in the South Gobi.

Now, a new controversy has entered the picture. A third company, Entrée Resources, has laid claim to a share of the project, and its recent arbitration victory over licensing rights became the catalyst for the latest parliamentary hearings. In this episode, we ask: were these hearings a necessary, or political theatre that risks scaring off future investors?

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

This month marked the first 100 days of Mongolia’s new Prime Minister, Zandanshatar Gombojav, who stepped in after Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai was ousted in a no-confidence vote. Zandanshatar entered office promising both continuity and urgent fixes to the economy, as he promised cuts to government spending. He worked to rally public support and steady the economy—but just 100 days in, his legitimacy came under fire.

After losing the Mongolian People's Party chairmanship vote, cracks have begun to show within the ruling party itself. In this episode, we unpack Zandanshatar’s lackluster start to his premiership, the internal cracks of the MPP, and what his shaky footing means for Mongolia’s political future.

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And support our work by becoming member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural

In Mongolia today, public debate and political discourse lean heavily toward libertarian and capitalist ideas, with media often amplifying right-wing perspectives. But why do progressive movements and ideas receive so little attention? Is this neglect rooted in Mongolia’s socialist past, or are other forces at play?We talk with Khishigtugs Amarbayasgalan, a sociology graduate student at the University of Mannheim, whose viral social media posts on inequality, capitalism, and progressive ideas have sparked debate in Mongolia. He shares his perspective on why progressive movements have struggled to gain traction in the country — and what it will take to change that.You can also check out his piece on Natsagdorj and his ties to progressive thought at Mongolia focus: Guest Post: May Day by Natsagdorj - Mongolia FocusMongolia Focus

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Hosts Dolgion Aldar, Julian Dierkes, and Anand Tumurtogoo explore how young Mongolians interact with politics, what challenges discourage their involvement, and whether political apathy is truly growing — or if there’s more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

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But with the following capture of Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, "MERGEN Takes" took hold in Mongolia, with commentators, pundits, columnists, and social media users issuing predictions and warnings that Mongolia could face a similar fate if it continues down a “socialist” path.

But is Mongolia actually governed by socialism? Do people truly understand what the label "socialism" means?

We explore these questions in this episode of The Great State Mural.

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And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

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Children in public schools face steep barriers compared to children who attend private schools, while public school teachers battle overcrowded classrooms, stagnant wages, and a lack of institutional support. Despite the challenges, education remains at the heart of Mongolia’s future—yet the question lingers: is the leadership doing enough to truly support it? We explore this and talk in depth about Mongolia's education system.

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President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa has introduced a draft law to recall members of the State Great Khural (Parliament). The proposal is aimed at strengthening accountability by allowing MPs to be removed if they commit serious ethical breaches, violate their oath, or are legally convicted of crimes. This marks a significant effort to increase public oversight of lawmakers and enforce their responsibility to voters. However, how legitimate and well thought through the draft proposal is remains iffy.

Last week, the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) held its congress, where the party chair, Uchral, stated that the party will start the removal of four members. These members include the speaker and deputy speaker, a former energy minister, and a major PR person for the party. The announcement at the congress reflected ongoing tensions over leadership, party cohesion, and the consolidation of party leadership.

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

In this episode, we speak with Enkhuun Byambadorj, co-founder and director of operations at Breathe Mongolia — an advocacy coalition dedicated to improving the air quality in Mongolia. Enkhuun shares insights on what needs to change, why progress has been slow, and what steps could finally lead to cleaner air for Mongolia’s future.

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

hosts Dolgion Aldar, Julian Dierkes, and Anand Tumurtogoo examines the prime minister's approach to amending the budget as the new government proposes spending cuts, the lack of economic diversification, and the political habit of fast-tracking reforms during crises—including the failure to implement a functioning sovereign wealth fund. And how the dependence on mining seems to blindside Mongolian politicians to the volatility of Mongolia's economy.

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As a result, widespread power outages in Ulaanbaatar throughout January highlight deep institutional issues in Mongolia’s electricity network and raise urgent questions about planning, investment, and accountability.

Where did Mongolia’s energy policy go wrong—and what would it take to fix the country’s electricity crisis?

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

Who is winning from this mudslinging? While the party leadership are talking behind doors, deciding their power dynamics, teachers and health workers are demanding better wages, and their demands are falling on deaf ears.

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Check out Sergey Radchenko's new book: Sergey Radchenko, "To Run the World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power" (Cambridge UP, 2024) - New Books Network

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In this special episode, we introduce a foundational theme of the show: “The Three Universals” — a concept rooted in Mongolian oral folk tradition. And our own three universals at the top of the episodes will serve as a guiding thread — our “north star” — for future discussions.

Whether you're new to Mongolian culture or looking to reconnect with its philosophical roots, this episode offers a meaningful introduction to the values that continue to shape Mongolia today.

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And support our work by becoming member at ⁠The Great State Mural

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

It’s been a turbulent month in Mongolian politics. The ruling party’s leadership battle fractured the party, government, and parliament—leading to the ouster of the prime minister and the resignation of the speaker. But in a dramatic turn, the Constitutional Court ruled the vote to dismiss the prime minister unconstitutional, marking a major moment in Mongolia’s legal and political history.

This ruling reaffirms Mongolia as a nation governed by law — yet it also raises new questions about the limits of power in a single-chamber parliament.

In this episode of The Great State Mural, lawyer Manduul Altangerel joins us to unpack the implications of the Constitutional Court’s decision and what it means for Mongolia’s political and legal systems.

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And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural. You can listen to extra recording from this episode.

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Zandanshatar’s removal marks one of the shortest tenures for a Mongolian prime minister, a fate he might have avoided.

In this episode of The Great State Mural: Mongolia Portrayed, we break down what led to this turmoil, how party infighting brought the government to its knees, and what might come next for Mongolia’s political future.

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Their achievement represented the story of underdogs and also served as a true reflection of the potential that Mongolians possess.

We discuss the achievements of the Mongolian team, dive into the cultural aspects of trusting one another and self-belief, and how Team Mongolia’s performance on Physical: Asia broke the negative stereotypes Mongolians hold about each other.

If you have any suggestions for our show, please get in touch with us at info[at]agulamedia.com

And if you are a supporter of us at Buy Me Coffee, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Great State Mural⁠⁠⁠. You can listen to extra recordings as we briefly discuss the current status of the MPP's infighting and how it came about.

EDIT: There were audio issues with the first upload. resolved those issues in the new upload.

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