Modernisation and Mongolia : A case study on Inglehart’s and Welzel’s modernisation theory and the democratisation of Mongolia

Abstract: This essay is a theory testing study that aims to examine to what extent modernisation promotes democratisation. This is done by applying and testing aspects of Inglehart’s and Welzel’s revised modernisation theory to a case study of a specific country, namely Mongolia. The aspects studied are 1) trust in politicians and the political system, 2) how widespread literacy is within the nation and 3) the mass belief among the Mongolian people. The study shows that elements of each aspect are present in Mongolia and that they have indeed influenced the country’s democratisation. The study concludes by summarising the result of each aspect and stating that Mongolia’s democracy is still developing.