Abstract

The warfare and diplomatic negotiations between the Ming and Mongols in the mid- sixteenth century not only fundamentally shaped the high politics of the Ming court but also significantly impacted the everyday politics in the northern borderland. This research highlights how local politics often diverged from imperial strategies, particularly in the face of military conflicts. Local populations frequently crossed borders, aiding Mongol forces and undermining Ming defenses, driven by economic necessity and social networks. The study also reveals how Chinese officials and soldiers in the borderlands often engaged pragmatically with Mongol counterparts, contrasting with the rigid ethnic-political stance of the central court. Local social networks, such as the White Lotus, exemplified the significant impact of local actors on broader Ming-Mongol relations. Ultimately, the research underscores the need to reconsider frontier dynamics in late imperial China through a nuanced lens that accounts for both imperial and local perspectives.

How to Cite:

Cui, G., (2024) “The Ming-Mongol Wars and Borderland Society in the Mid-Sixteenth Century”, Footnotes: A Journal of History 6(1), 17-25.