Second, the existing research often focuses on individual driving factors [22], neglecting interactions among multiple factors that hinder researchers from developing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate mechanisms behind grassland conversion. Finally, many approaches fail to account for the integrated effects of multiple factor groups, leading to incomplete and inaccurate interpretations of the conversion process. In summary, the complexity of analyzing the drivers of grassland change lies not only in the multifaceted nature of the driving factors themselves but also in the limitations of the analytical methods used. To address these challenges, this study employs partial order theory (POT) and the Hasse diagram technique (HDT). POT establishes partial order relationships among elements based on multiple criteria, avoiding biases from linear assumptions and subjective weighting, thereby ensuring analytical objectivity and data-driven insights [23]. POT effectively handles multifactor interactions and nonlinear relationships, providing a robust tool for determining the drivers of grassland conversion. By integrating the HDT, POT can visually represent the hierarchical and relational structure of the driving factors, facilitating a deeper understanding of the dynamic processes underlying grassland conversion [10]. POT and the HDT have been widely applied in various fields, including the assessment of chemical hazards [24], public policy formulation [25], water quality evaluations [26], and the identification of drivers of land-use change [9]. The Hohhot-Bapotou-Ordos (HBO) region in Inner Mongolia serves as an ideal case study for exploring grassland conversion. Characterized by diverse grassland ecosystems, arid and semi-arid climates, and severe water scarcity, the region is highly sensitive to climate change and human activities, as are its grassland ecosystems [27]. Grassland conversion in this region is extensive, and it is driven primarily by agricultural expansion, energy development, urbanization, and infrastructure construction. These changes have exacerbated vegetation loss, soil erosion, and ecosystem degradation while intensifying conflicts over limited pasture resources in traditional livestock farming [28]. As the most economically developed region in Inner Mongolia, HBO faces significant demand for grassland because of energy exploitation and urban expansion, further intensifying conflicts over limited pasture resources and grazing pressure in livestock farming [29]. Recent efforts have been made to combat these issues, such as restoring croplands to grasslands, grazing bans, and ecological compensation policies to mitigate grassland conversion and its ecological impacts; however, the rapid pace of regional economic development has limited the effectiveness of these measures [30]. Therefore, using HBO as a case study for analyzing the driving factors of grassland conversion not only allows us to determine the mechanisms of grassland-use changes and evaluate the effectiveness of ecological policies but also provides scientific guidance for optimizing regional land-use policies to achieve economic-ecological synergies. Additionally, this research offers valuable insights into grassland conservation and sustainable use in similar ecosystems globally [31]. On this basis, we hypothesize that the transformation of grasslands is driven by multiple interacting socioeconomic and environmental factors and that the application of POT and the HDT can allow us to identify and rank these complex interactions effectively. Based on this hypothesis, this study aims to systematically investigate the driving mechanisms of grassland-type conversion in the Hohhot-Bapotou-Ordos region.