Final answer:
Genghis Khan's social policies combined practicality and innovation, and included measures to improve the wellbeing of his subjects, promote religious tolerance, and break the cycle of tribal violence, suggesting a liberal stance for the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social policies of Genghis Khan were neither strictly liberal nor conservative; instead, they incorporated elements of practicality and innovation that were well-suited to the needs and circumstances of the Mongol Empire. Genghis Khan instituted measures that improved the wellbeing of his subjects, such as creating granaries to aid in times of famine, forgiving taxes in disaster-stricken areas, and lessening the number of crimes punishable by death. Moreover, he bolstered commerce by reducing banditry and making trade routes like the Silk Roads safer, notably enhancing the lives of merchants. Despite the potential resentment from conquered peoples, such as the ethnic Chinese, Genghis Khan's policies in other areas were notably progressive for the time. He promoted religious tolerance, employing and consulting with people of various faiths, and even encouraging interfaith dialogues. Additionally, his social-military reorganization aimed to break the cycle of tribal violence by abolishing aristocratic titles and promoting individuals based on merit, regardless of their tribal affiliation. Women in Mongol society also held a degree of power, sometimes overseeing households or even acting as leaders during their husbands' absences. These policies reflect an approach that valued efficiency, stability, military might, and an openness to different cultures and religions. While they might not fit neatly into modern definitions of liberalism or conservatism, they could be seen as liberal given the context of the era in which they were enacted.