The concept of a state without armed forces seems to violate the logic of modern geopolitics. Yet, a number of countries have chosen this peaceful path in order to allocate resources to societal development. They live without an official army, but that doesn't mean they are weak or unprotected.
In this article, we'll explore unique facts about countries without militaries, explore the reasons behind their decisions, and examine the benefits and challenges they face. Let's embark on a journey to discover stories of peace from parts of the world you might never have imagined.
Reasons Why Countries Don't Have a Military
There are several reasons that drive a country's decision to live without an armed force: funds normally allocated for defense are prioritized to the education, health, and infrastructure sectors; small countries often enter into security agreements with major powers like the United States for external protection; remote or dispersed geographical conditions make military threats relatively low; peaceful political traditions instill a spirit of non-violence as the foundation of domestic and foreign policy; and the high costs of maintaining a military, from personnel salaries, training, to combat equipment that are difficult to meet with a limited budget.
List of Countries Without a Military
Here are some countries that officially do not have standing armed forces:
- Costa Rica
Ending the military in 1949 and prioritizing education and health. - Iceland
Despite being in the NATO region, Iceland has no land, sea, or air forces. - Liechtenstein
The second smallest in Europe, this country chose to disband its military in 1868. - Panama
The military was disbanded in 1990 and replaced by a civilian police force. - Grenada
After the 1983 US invasion, Grenada did not rebuild its military. - Kiribati
This Pacific island nation relies more on police and defense agreements. - Micronesia
Cooperate with the US through the Compact of Free Association for security. - Nauru
Meeting defense needs through agreements with Australia. - Palau
Relying on the protection of the United States through the Compact of Free Association. - Samoa
Maintaining sovereignty through policing and regional cooperation.
Examples of Countries and Interesting Stories
Iceland
Iceland has only a lightly armed police force and a civil defense system. Against external threats, it relies on a military agreement with NATO, without deploying combat troops. This allows Iceland to allocate nearly 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to social and environmental programs in which it excels. Life among its volcanic and glacial landscapes is becoming increasingly secure, as long as diplomatic relations remain harmonious.
Panama
Following the 1989 US invasion that toppled Manuel Noriega's military regime, Panama decided to disband its military in 1990. They established the National Police in its place, focusing on law and order enforcement. This approach reduced the defense budget to below 1 percent of GDP and increased investment in canal infrastructure, education, and tourism. As a result, Panama emerged as a stable international logistics hub.
Liechtenstein
Since 1868, Liechtenstein has declared its military unnecessary after its troops were withdrawn. Without an army, Liechtenstein saves millions of Swiss francs annually on defense. In return, the country has maintained a centuries-old security partnership with Switzerland. Despite its small size, covering just 160 km², Liechtenstein has managed to build one of the highest per capita economies in the world.
Benefits and Challenges
Living without the military turns out to bring both benefits and risks:
Benefit
- More flexible budget for education and health.
- International image as a peaceful country that invites investment.
- A series of security agreements creates defense guarantees without the burden of large costs.
Challenge
- Dependence on foreign powers for protection.
- Political risks if security agreements change at any time.
- Limitations in rapid response during disasters or major security disturbances.
Lessons for Other Countries
The decision to disband or not establish an official military is not simply a matter of budget constraints. It requires political vision, a mature foreign policy, and a readiness to build international cooperation. For developing countries with limited budgets, this peaceful lifestyle can be an alternative, provided there are guarantees from defense partners.
Some important lessons:
- The importance of a transparent and consistent foreign policy.
- Courage shifts the focus from military power to human development.
- Fostering good relations with neighbors and global powers.
Conclusion
Countries without armed forces prove that security isn't always measured by the number of tanks or fighter jets. With smart policies, proper budget allocation, and a network of international agreements, a country can thrive and prosper. You might expect Indonesia to adopt some of these ideas, but the geography, political landscape, and scale of the country are clearly different.
However, the peace stories of Costa Rica, Iceland, Panama, and Liechtenstein provide inspiration that true strength lies in human development, not violence. Defense policy can be flexible, depending on the vision and values each nation wishes to uphold.
