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NO ARMY NATIONCosta Rica abolished its military forces in 1949 and since then has devoted substantial resources to invest- ment in health and education. It is a country that has placed a high priority in investing in public education, including the university system, as well as technical and vocational training. Its population of 5.0 million people enjoys a literacy rate of 96.3% and a life expectancy of 79.3 years.Costa Rica does not have a standing army or any mili- tary forces. It does, however, maintain a police security force to keep public order within its borders and surrounding territory. The operations of this security force are centered on day-to-day routinepeacekeeping tasks. The country’s role in Central America is a neutral one, and Costa Rica is often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America.Costa Rica has intentionally cultivated security relationships with other nations through treaties, international laws, and international organizations. Free of the burden of military spending, have used the financial savings to invest in their people, creating strong public institutions including public higher education and universal health care. In short, Costa Ricans have created a society committed to peace, solidarity, and international law. Costa Rica has survived with safety and relative prosperity for over 70 years without a standing army. Over the decades, the Costa Rican model has survived several serious crises, but the current threats may be the most formidable of all.Costa Rica is an example that the world needs to follow . . .– Arun Gandhi