Pastoral Khans: from Mongolian Steppe to African Savannah

The developing field of Mongolian International Studies offers a diverse range research topics. A review recent articles reflects an emphasis on geo-politics, particularly evolving relations with its superpower neighbours. Whilst state-to-state engagement China and Russia predominates, regional countries (Japan, Korea) the US Europe are examined within ‘Third Neighbour’ policy. Trade economics also studied, from Oyu Tolgoi mining to role IMF international agencies. Currently lacking is focus human-driven that livelihoods, spirituality community environments. Such social cultural dynamics essential both pastoral rural livelihoods understanding nation. In 2020-2022 academic endeavours enabled herder representatives participate in global drylands exchange network dryland residents thirteen countries. process provided exceptional opportunity present perspectives pastoralists academics Africa, Middle East Central Asia. This grounded situated context. Here we report key engagements findings as herders shared lives practices context this pastoral/drylands project. Moving beyond political/economic rubric, project did, delivers more representative complete comprehension Mongolia studies community.