It is very important to increase the intellectual capacity to form the basis of the country’s internal security. In other words, the centuries-long history of humankind has shown that the issue of training and educating the citizens of the country is a unified measure implemented by the state.

In order to study the process of defense education, develop it in accordance with the requirements of social development, and determine trends, we need to lay a theoretical basis.

In the 21st century, the development of global society is expected to change dramatically, which has created the need to reform the concept and system of educating people to live and work in such a new environment. In developing the theoretical and methodological basis for this change, a scientific approach would be used to analyze the issue of Mongolian defense education based on the traditional philosophy of human development. Thus, the nature of defense education is analyzed from the point of view of idealistic theory.

Mongolia’s military education system has been developed and used for centuries to meet the needs of the society. Only in a global environment is there a need to develop a content of defense education that meets the needs of Mongolian society. For example, on the need for education and training for military education: In line with the social changes of the new century and the development trends of philosophical theory, there is a need to develop a concept of the philosophy of defense education and its conceptual core formulation. The process of globalization has spread to all spheres of society, and the external and internal environments has been changing rapidly. This has always reminded us to anticipate the future and thus increase the defense capabilities of countries ( Baasanjav , 2022 ). Military education plays an important role in educating citizens in the defense of the country’s independence and security. It is important to study the process that formed the basis of modern military professional education in our country. ( Orkhonchimeg , 2022 ), The religious and military relations of the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia in the early XX century are one of the topics that need to be studied in detail. It is important to study the influence of religion, especially Buddhism, on the history of the Mongolian military forces based on archival documents and sources connected with the religious and military relations of the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia. ( Orkhonchimeg , 2021 ), Within the framework of the goal of providing qualitative education to the citizens of Mongolia, there is a need to create a new comprehensive education system to cultivate a patriotic and national upbringing. In a democracy, the real need is that the state must ensure the unity and security of the nation, such as the country’s independence, security, national language and culture, sustainable development, and patriotic ideology, and implement policies and goals in educational content aimed at the common interests and goals of the nation. ( Baasanjav, 2020 ). Defense education will play a key role in strengthening the unity of basic national interests and building the mental and physical immunity of the Mongolian people. The main content of defense education is to prepare citizens who have a sense of patriotism, proper mental and physical upbringing, and education. In other words, it is to instill a patriotic spirit in Mongolians. National consciousness plays an important role in the development of patriotism. ( Sukhbaatar Baigalmaa, 2024 ). The national security activities of any country depend to a certain extent on the formation of patriotism of citizens and soldiers, but patriotic nationalism is directly related to the formation of moral education. Knowledge and education are necessary for correct moral upbringing, and the foundation of any knowledge is faith and patriotism. Thus, inculcating patriotism and upbringing in citizens and soldiers is an essential issue that supports the development of the country and activities to ensure national security. ( Myagmarjav & Enkhchimeg, 2024 ). Analysis of contemporary threats means adapting formal and informal education. The priority is to include defense education, terrorist prevention, cybersecurity and the prevention of disinformation. In addition to traditional education, it is important to introduce elements based on the use of modern technology and tools that make the teaching process more enjoyable and therefore more effective ( Grabowska-Lepczak, 2024 ). We have clarified this issue as an article considering the theoretical issues of defense education, especially from the perspective of idealist theory, has not been published yet. Therefore, this article considers the issue of defense education according to the idealistic theory.

In an attempt to explain the nature of defense education from the point of view of idealistic theory, the internal nature and causes have been clarified in terms of method of action research. In doing that, we tried to explain that the view of protecting the motherland, the territorial defense and the pedagogical heritage were the main basis for the development of the inner nature and spirit of the Mongolian people. In order to clarify the issue, an analysis was conducted using sociological research methods.

Idealism is a term derived from the Greek word meaning “idea.” Consider the essence of Hegel’s view that “the mind is the root of all”, who is the main representative of idealism. According to Hegel, “all the activities of the universe take place within the realm of the mind. The mind is the essence of the world, and the essence is freedom. Thanks to human actions, the processes of the whole world have other consequences in addition to the ones they aspire to, the ones they have achieved, and the ones they know and want. Therefore, not only the individual but also the actions he takes to achieve his personal goals serve as the ultimate spiritual goal. Individuals are the creators of the process.” ( Pozdnyakov , 2001 )

According to Hegel, “that the ultimate goal of both the spiritual mind on the one hand and the objective mental will on the other become truly united and meaningful is fully manifested by freedom.

It is the historical individuals of the whole world who are the openers of new doors of history, while the people are the creators of that particular period. Hence, no matter how ambitious and far-sighted the authorities are, it will be difficult for them to carry out their wishes if the people do not realize their actions and make them their own minds. The process of development in the mind takes place through consciousness and will.” ( Hegel , 1993 )

Some philosophers believe that the mind is our imagination. It is a speculation of value that is not because we love things because they are beautiful, but because we love them so that they are beautiful. Here we are saying that the evaluation of any action comes not from its objective nature, but from our subjective relationship to it. Therefore, the security of the state depends on how we can educate the people as citizens of the state. In other words, if the people do not value the state, the end of the state will come. This should lead to the conclusion that the people must be developed with the consciousness and mentality to protect the state, their native country and their living space.

According to the idealist, “worldly processes take place in the realm of the mind. The mind is the realm of ideas. This is the basis for understanding the connection of the phenomenon ‘ideology’ which was connected to the politics. There is nothing that goes without conflict of interest. Conflict of interest comes in many forms of ideas. Common soldiers are also taken part in the battle with something concept for encouragement. That is human nature. This is because words and thoughts precede a person’s practical actions, anytime, anywhere, and accompany all his actions”.

In general, “Ideology is a philosophical term that defines meaning, significance, and essence, and is closely related to the categories of thought and existence.” ( Dictionary of Philosophy , 1990 )

It is time for us to understand how to survive in a highly evolving world that will continue to change, and how to develop and guide the concept of self-defense and a combination of tradition and innovation as the basis for our future existence. In other words, we need to think about what the world should be like, not how we should fit in, but also we must formulate how to keep the world. This should be the basis of our main concept.

In the age of globalization, how is the Mongolian defense ideology developing? We are faced with the question. Unfortunately, we do not have the words and deeds to say that the consciousness of Mongolian children and youth is prepared to this extent.

In the framework of the project on “Defense education, its content and main methodological issues”, we conducted a survey of a total of 1,050 people from Ulaanbaatar, Orkhon, Dornod, Uvurkhangai and Khovd provinces to research about patriotic development, military and security education and its needs. ( Figure 1 ).

57.5 percent of the respondents are male and 42.5 percent are female. 748 people with higher education, 216 people with special secondary education and 86 people with complete secondary education expressed their views on the issue. In terms of their employment status, 392 government organizations, 272 military and police organizations, 340 non-governmental organizations and units, and 46 people of retirement age participated.

The following figure ( Figure 2 ) shows the answer to the question:

In your opinion, which is a more important activity: a citizen must have served in the military, have learned how to live safely, have a patriotic upbringing, be physically fit, have a proper knowledge of military affairs or a professional military education, and respect national interests and values in order to prepare for the defense of one’s country?

If we make a list of the answers to the questions of the survey participants, 65.2 percent considered it appropriate to be patriotic and educated; 47.3 percent considered it important to have served in the military, whereas 87.5 percent did not consider it necessary to have military professional education, and 84.1 percent did not consider it important to have a proper knowledge of military affairs.

According to the respondents, defense education and knowledge are directly related to the patriotism of citizens, their upbringing and military service. It is not just a matter of the government or their initiative, but a set of measures to be addressed at the system level such as the reform of the education system, the wide dissemination of traditions and culture at all levels, and the implementation of comprehensive policies, decisions and economic measures in line with the interests of citizens.

The core of patriotism and education is, firstly, national statehood and independence, secondly, military traditions and respect for the elders, thirdly, respect and protection of the native country and the environment, and thus, it is still important to raise awareness of the essence of patriotism and to provide knowledge and information in this field, in an accessible way.

Respondents’ responses to common questions, such as ( Figure 3 ): What do you think is the current level of patriotic nationalism of Mongolian citizens?

The following conclusions are drawn from the survey results graph. Although the majority of respondents were young people, they underestimated the maturity of the patriotic ideology of the younger generation. This indicates that young people do not have a clear idea of patriotism. According to the survey results, the respondents rated the development of patriotic nationalism among middle-aged people as “Middle” and the older people as “Well”. There is a big gap in the development of patriotism among the three generations of young people, middle-aged and older adults, and the diversity of values suggests that citizens need different ways and conditions to implement the process of patriotic development. It also means that the older you get, the more patriotic you become. It is also influenced by the fact that you have become accustomed to your homeland, socialized, and more aware of your country’s values.

“Therefore, it is necessary to implement it in close connection with democratic and moral education, that all children and youth should be informed about their history, native language, heritage, traditions and customs, and military patriotism and national pride should be made known by all levels of governmental and non-governmental organizations, enterprises, formal and non-formal education and training, in terms of purpose, content, methodology, materials, and evaluation.” ( Baasanjav, 2020 )

Thus, we need to develop the content of defense education and provide it with stages. In developing the content of defense education, the following should be taken into account. This includes:

From time immemorial, the natural, climatic and geographical features of our people and lifestyle that have been adapted to them have influenced the formation of the psychological characters of Mongolians. The core of the Mongolian ideology of defense was a rational combination of the ideas of wise people and leaders who were well aware of the need for constant self-defense and a willingness to sacrifice their lives for their homeland. Thus, we have tried to explain that the main basis of the concept of defense is based on the great power of the mind to protect the motherland and the nation, to understand and live in harmony with the laws of nature and society.