Violence and conflict are daily occurrences. War, militarism, disease, discrimination, illiteracy and environmental destruction are some of the forms in which violence is exhibited. Tragically, conflict is too often measured in lives lost. Desperation, caused by conditions such as hyperinflation, massive unemployment, and poverty, is often what fuels acts of violence. Working to eradicate and prevent those desperate situations is one step in avoiding the devastation caused by violence.

Costa Rican President José Figueres was inspired by the idea that true security comes from enriching quality of life, as opposed to relying on armed forces. The enormous cost of maintaining an army was depriving the government of Costa Rica from ensuring welfare for its citizens. Figueres constitutionally disbanded the army in 1948 and transferred military funds into education and healthcare budgets. This exceptionally risky decision reputed Costa Rica as a progressive country dedicated to maintaining peace.

Decades later when Central America was engulfed in armed conflict, Costa Rica repeatedly chose to rely on negotiations rather than reestablish an army. The leaders not only relied on diplomacy but helped to spread this policy throughout the region. Costa Rican President Oscar Arias brought the leaders of the region to the negotiation table which led to the signing of the Arias Peace Plan. This agreement required each participating country to agree to call a cease-fire, begin talks with opposition groups, reduce arms, declare amnesty for political prisoners and set a calendar for democratization. In 1987, the international community recognized Arias for being a key player in the Central American peace process. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

Many students at Missouri Southern are not able to locate Costa Rica on a map, nor do they have knowledge of its achievements toward peace. When I first visited Costa Rica in the summer of 2000, I was exposed to its intriguing history. The acts of this progressive state have inspired me to learn more about what makes Costa Rica unique in the region. During my first visit in 2000, I not only desired to learn the details of Costa Rica’s history for myself, but I wanted to share this story with others. I wondered how this country has maintained its tranquility in a region plagued by violence. The abolition was not only an incredibly courageous act, but I found it astounding that Costa Rica has never reestablished a standing army.

Costa Rica has questioned and defied the international norm of building military power in an attempt to provide security. Costa Rica has provided a powerful lesson by doing what was necessary, rather than what the global community established as expedient. Costa Rica made the deliberate decision to focus on peace as well as providing real security to its citizens. As former President Rodrigo Carazo states, “peace is not only abolishing armies, it is not only trying to have an anti-violent community, but peace is an attitude related to mutual respect.” In my opinion, Costa Rica proves that free thinking, rather than conforming, can lead to success.

I was able to return to Costa Rica in the summer of 2003 due to the generosity of the late Kenneth McCaleb and his wife Margaret. In 1998, the McCalebs made a $150,000 donation to Southern in order to assist students with projects aimed at either discovering ways to bring about peace or methods to prevent war. It is rare for an undergraduate to be presented with such an opportunity. I encourage any student who is seeking a challenge in peace-related issues to take advantage of this opportunity presented by the McCalebs. I have serious respect and admiration for the way the McCalebs have contributed to society. This learning experience would not have been possible without the McCalebs’ extreme generosity. Thank you.

This project has been one of the most challenging experiences of my academic career and the most rewarding.

I thank my family for all their support and encouragement. I acknowledge Dr. Thomas Simpson, associate professor of political science, for assisting me with this project and for having faith in my abilities.

Thanks to Dr. Larry Cebula, associate professor of history, for his academic input on short notice.

My gratitude goes to Señora Ana Yancy Espinoza and the staff of the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress and to Justin Skinner, personal assistant to Dr. Arias. Thanks to the staff at the Museum of Peace for allowing me to use their facilities.

I feel honored to have met former President Rodrigo Carazo. I am grateful for the time he spent with me and for showing me true tico hospitality and kindness. Thanks to the faculty of the University for Peace, especially Dina Rodríguez, Ronald Castro and Victoria Robinson.

Thanks to James Latham and Naomi Fowler of Radio for Peace International. Much appreciation to the Quaker community of Monteverde, especially Jean Stuckey and John and Sue Trostle for their contribution to my research. Thanks to Njaryi Gitonga for all his support and assistance.

I am grateful for Seamus Abshere being so helpful during a stressful time.

I appreciate all the help from Juan José Rodríguez Ramírez. My gratitude goes to my tico family, the Acuñas, for their hospitality. Thanks to Alejandra Burgess for translating.