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What countries donʼt have a military?

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.

Why Do Some Countries Not Have a Military?

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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

CountryPopulationRegionReason for Not Having a Military
Nauru11,000Pacific OceanSmall size and resource constraints
Tuvalu11,000Pacific OceanSmall size and resource constraints
Palau21,000Pacific OceanSmall size and resource constraints
Iceland360,000North AtlanticPeaceful international relations
Costa Rica5 millionCentral AmericaPeaceful international relations
Austria8.5 millionCentral EuropePeaceful international relations
Switzerland8.5 millionEuropeStrong international security arrangements
Norway5.3 millionNorthern EuropeStrong international security arrangements
Papua New Guinea9 millionPacific OceanLimited resources
Burundi12 millionEast AfricaLimited 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.

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