This paper utilizes Baldur Thorhallsson's theoretical framework of "shelter", examining the unique case of Mongolia, to investigate the relations between structural vulnerabilities and political, economic and societal shelter. The central aim of the paper is to evaluate the theory's applicability beyond the European context, in which it is typically employed. Minimalist theory-testing process-tracing is used to conduct the analysis. The results suggest that Thorhallsson's theory exhibits explanatory power beyond Europe, further demonstrating its potential for generalizability to non-Western settings. Nonetheless, the paper discerns certain theoretical shortcomings within Thorhallsson's framework, highlighting the necessity of further research.