What Countries Don’t Have a Military?
A question that may seem absurd at first, as having a military is often considered a fundamental aspect of national sovereignty and defense. However, there are several countries around the world that do not have a standing army or military forces. This article will explore these countries, their reasons for not having a military, and the implications of their non-military status.
Contents
Why Do Some Countries Not Have a Military?
There are several reasons why countries may choose not to have a military. Some of these reasons include:
• Peaceful nature of the country: Some countries are committed to non-violent conflict resolution and peaceful international relations. They may see the use of military force as a last resort or even a violation of their values.
• Strong international security arrangements: Countries that are part of a military alliance or have a robust international security framework may feel that they do not need a separate military force to protect their interests.
• Small size and resource constraints: Smaller countries with limited resources may find it difficult to maintain a military force, especially one that is capable of defending against larger and better-equipped armies.
• History of colonization or foreign rule: Countries that have experienced colonization or foreign rule may have a strong desire to avoid military forces and maintain a commitment to peace and non-violence.
Countries That Don’t Have a Military
Here are some countries that do not have a standing army or military forces:
Small Island Nations
• Nauru: Nauru is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a population of around 11,000 people. It has a small police force but does not have a military.
• Tuvalu: Tuvalu is another small island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a population of around 11,000 people. It also has a small police force and no military.
• Palau: Palau is a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a population of around 21,000 people. It has a small coast guard and a police force, but no standing army.
Countries with Peaceful International Relations
• Iceland: Iceland is a small island nation in the North Atlantic that has a long history of peaceful international relations. It has a small coast guard and a police force, but no standing army.
• Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a country in Central America that has a strong commitment to peace and non-violence. It has a small coast guard and a police force, but no standing army.
• Austria: Austria is a small country in Central Europe with a long history of peaceful international relations. It has a small coast guard and a police force, but no standing army.
Countries with Strong International Security Arrangements
• Switzerland: Switzerland is a small country in Europe that is part of the United Nations and the European Union. It has a strong commitment to neutrality and has a small military force, but it is not a standing army. Instead, it relies on its strong international security arrangements to protect its interests.
• Norway: Norway is a country in Northern Europe that is part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and has a strong international security framework. It has a small military force, but it is not a standing army. Instead, it relies on its alliance with NATO to protect its interests.
Countries with Limited Resources
• Papua New Guinea: Papua New Guinea is a country in the Pacific Ocean with a population of around 9 million people. It has a limited budget and resources, and has chosen not to invest in a standing army.
• Burundi: Burundi is a country in East Africa with a population of around 12 million people. It has limited resources and has chosen not to invest in a standing army.
Table: Countries Without a Military
Country | Population | Region | Reason for Not Having a Military |
---|---|---|---|
Nauru | 11,000 | Pacific Ocean | Small size and resource constraints |
Tuvalu | 11,000 | Pacific Ocean | Small size and resource constraints |
Palau | 21,000 | Pacific Ocean | Small size and resource constraints |
Iceland | 360,000 | North Atlantic | Peaceful international relations |
Costa Rica | 5 million | Central America | Peaceful international relations |
Austria | 8.5 million | Central Europe | Peaceful international relations |
Switzerland | 8.5 million | Europe | Strong international security arrangements |
Norway | 5.3 million | Northern Europe | Strong international security arrangements |
Papua New Guinea | 9 million | Pacific Ocean | Limited resources |
Burundi | 12 million | East Africa | Limited resources |
Implications of Not Having a Military
While not having a military may seem unusual, it can have both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, not having a military can:
• Reduce defense spending: Countries without a military can redirect their resources towards other areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
• Promote peace and cooperation: Countries that do not have a military may be more likely to promote peaceful international relations and cooperate with other countries.
• Encourage diplomacy: Not having a military can encourage countries to rely on diplomacy and international law to resolve conflicts.
On the negative side, not having a military can:
• Leave a country vulnerable: Countries without a military may be vulnerable to attack or invasion, especially if they are surrounded by countries with military forces.
• Limit their ability to respond to threats: Without a military, countries may not have the ability to respond to threats or protect their interests.
• Impede their ability to maintain international influence: Countries without a military may struggle to maintain their influence on the international stage.
In conclusion, while not having a military is not a common phenomenon, there are several countries around the world that have chosen not to maintain a standing army. These countries have a range of reasons for not having a military, including their commitment to peaceful international relations, their membership in international security arrangements, and their limited resources. While not having a military can have both positive and negative implications, it is an important aspect of national sovereignty and defense that should be carefully considered by governments and international organizations.