Buddhism in the political process of post-socialist Mongolia

The article studies the role of Buddhism and its institutions in the political process of post-socialist Mongolia. After the proclamation of religious freedom in Mongolia in the early 1990s, Buddhism began to be perceived as a national religion. However, despite the support from state and the most popularity among population of the country, Buddhism did not get the status of the official religion. New political, economic and cultural conditions of post-socialist Mongolia have a significant impact on the perception of Buddhism by political elite and society. Today, the role of Buddhism in Mongolia contrasts greatly with the period of the beginning of the 20th century; it is concerned not only with the authorities' reluctance to share authority with the church, but also with the changes in the attitude of the population to the role of religion in public life.