A bold peace

"In 1948, after a civil war, Costa Rica dismantled their military establishment and intentionally cultivated security relationships with other nations through treaties, international laws, and international organizations. Free of the burden of military spending, Costa Rica created free healthcare, free university tuition, and a wide middle class. For nearly 70 years, Costa Rica has proven the viability of a different way the world might live--the way of demilitarization, solidarity, diplomacy and international law. The Costa Rican model has survived several serious crises, but the current threats may be the most formidable of all."--Container.