We Are an Example Costa Rica, a Country Without an Army

Abstract

This article examines Costa Rica’s demilitarization model from the perspectives of international relations and human security. It explores the historical context leading to the abolition of the army; reviews theoretical debates on the peace dividend and the security of states without armed forces; and compares Costa Rica’s experience with that of other non‑militarized countries such as Panama and Iceland. A replicable framework for other countries seeking to replace military spending with social investment is proposed, identifying internal and external conditions needed to maintain security without an army. The article concludes with a discussion of the limits of the Costa Rican model and suggests directions for further research.