Mongolia’s Westward Pivot: The Emerging “8+1” Geometry Linking Central Asia and the Caucasus
The source argues that Mongolia is extending its foreign policy westward, using Kazakhstan as a geographically proximate anchor for a redefined Third Neighbor strategy and advancing a new “8+1” format connecting Central Asia and the South Caucasus. While dependence on China for exports and Russia for refined fuels remains high, the initiative aims to incrementally diversify Mongolia’s diplomatic and economic options through partnerships and EAEU-linked trade pathways.