As an expert in international relations and global security, I have a deep understanding of the various reasons why certain countries might choose to forgo a traditional military force or police force. It's important to note that the concept of "having no army and police" can be nuanced and may not mean the complete absence of any form of defense or internal security. Countries may have alternative methods of maintaining security and order, such as through civil defense forces, agreements with other nations, or relying on international peacekeeping forces.

Step 1: Answer in English

When discussing countries without a standing army, it's crucial to define what is meant by an "army." Traditionally, an army is a branch of a nation's military, primarily responsible for land-based military operations. However, some countries have opted for different approaches to national defense and internal security.

Costa Rica, for instance, abolished its military in 1948 and has since relied on its police force for internal security. The country has focused on diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, positioning itself as a neutral party in international disputes. Costa Rica's decision was influenced by a desire to invest in social services and education rather than military spending.

Iceland, another country often cited as not having a traditional army, maintains a small coast guard and relies on its NATO membership for defense. The country's geography, with its harsh climate and remote location, has historically made it less of a target for conventional military aggression.

Panama, while having a national police force, does not have a traditional military. The country's focus is on maintaining a secure and stable environment for the Panama Canal, which is critical to global trade. Its security is also supported by regional and international partnerships.

Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau are part of the Compact of Free Association with the United States, which provides for U.S. defense support in exchange for allowing the U.S. military bases on their territories. These countries have limited defense capabilities and rely on the U.S. for their security needs.

The Vatican, or the Holy See, is a unique case. As a tiny city-state within Rome, it has no traditional military force. Instead, it is protected by the Swiss Guard, a small force responsible for the security of the Pope. The Vatican's primary focus is on spiritual matters and diplomacy.

It's important to clarify that the absence of a standing army does not equate to a lack of security or defense mechanisms. Many of these countries have alternative means of ensuring safety and order, whether through law enforcement, international agreements, or other forms of security cooperation.

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Today, there are 23 countries that have no active military force, including Costa Rica, Iceland, Panama, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and The Vatican. These nations vary in size, history, and reasons behind choosing to not have a standing army.May 11, 2018read more >>