Two points here - firstly post 1945 Germany and Japan were not allowed a military. No surprise there given what had happened prior to then. Only when coommunism was seen as a real threat were the military resurrected - under Allied control. Similary in East Germany viz NATO.lwd wrote: Japan and Germany did so for a period after WWII but both soon decided something was required. It would seem to me that Costa Rica is essentially gambleing on the world or at least their corner of it staying relativly peaceful and civilized. Of course all nations are doing the same thing others just hedge their bets a bit more. It's in manly ways a noble experiment but if I were in thier place I'm not sure I would have the courage or optimism to try it.
Secondly Costa Rica is in a position where it isn't threatened by a major power. Nicaragua is indeed a potential threat but hardly a capable military machine....