Mongolia Steps in the Wrong Direction

Two recent developments in Mongolia provide insight into the country's political and economic development. First, a jury sentenced former Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar to four years in prison on corruption charges. The charges ranged from the very serious (millions of dollars stolen from Mongolia's Erdenet Mining Corporation) to the absurd (illegal use of just over US$100 in office equipment in 2000). While Enkhbayar can appeal, it seems very likely he will spend at least some time in jail.

Second, the Ulaanbaatar city government pulled down the statue of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin that sat prominently in front of the country's flagship Ulaanbaatar Hotel, just off the capital's Skhbaatar Square. The city has announced plans to auction off the statue, with bidding starting at around $400.

At face value, these two developments support the narrative that Mongolia is developing into a country committed to rule-of-law and capitalist economic development.