By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica marked the 77th anniversary of its historic decision to abolish its army, former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias Sánchez issued a poignant call for the nation to renew its commitment to the foundational values of peace, education, and dialogue. In a message delivered via his social media channels, the two-time head of state reflected on the legacy of the 1948 decision, framing it as a continuous choice that defines the nation’s character.
The first of December is a significant date in the national calendar, officially recognized as a public holiday for the past five years to commemorate the moment Costa Rica constitutionally renounced a standing military. Dr. Arias leveraged the occasion to remind citizens of the profound principles the day represents, urging a collective reflection on the country’s unique identity in a world often beset by conflict.
To delve into the profound legal and constitutional framework that underpins Costa Rica’s historic abolition of its army, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The abolition of the army, constitutionally cemented in Article 12 of our Political Constitution, represents the cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal and social order. It was not merely a political decision but a foundational legal act that redefined state priorities, constitutionally redirecting national expenditure from military defense to human development, specifically education and health. This legal principle has shaped our entire judicial and diplomatic identity, obligating the state to pursue peace and resolve conflicts through the mechanisms of international law, rather than military force.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s analysis powerfully underscores that this is not merely a symbolic policy but a foundational legal mechanism that actively redirects national priorities toward human development. This constitutional commitment continues to shape our progress and our identity on the world stage. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
In Costa Rica, we will once again choose life, school, dialogue, and tolerance.
Óscar Arias Sánchez, Former President of Costa Rica
Evoking the spirit of 1948, Arias described the abolition as one of the most defining moments in the country’s history. He paid tribute to the leaders of that era, led by José “Pepe” Figueres Ferrer, casting them as visionary idealists who dared to chart a different course for the young republic. He painted a vivid picture of their bold declaration for a new kind of security, one not found in arms but in human development.
A few Quixotes from the waist of America claimed life for themselves and subscribed to the cause of true freedom and security: that which is provided by education and life in a democracy.
Óscar Arias Sánchez, Former President of Costa Rica
Central to Arias’s message was the enduring link between peace and education. He argued that the decision made 77 years ago was a deliberate pivot away from investing in instruments of war and toward cultivating the minds of its people. This philosophy, he noted, is the very bedrock of Costa Rican stability and progress. He credited the foresight of past leaders for choosing to “live in the open air of peace,” a path that required renouncing the false sense of security offered by military might.
The former president, whose international reputation is built on his own efforts to broker peace in Central America, stressed the critical importance of dialogue and mutual respect in a healthy society. He posited that negotiation and understanding consistently yield more fruitful and lasting results than confrontation. This principle, he argued, applies as much to domestic discourse as it does to international relations, warning against the corrosive effects of polarization and intolerance.
This society demands that we decide which path we want to take: that of life or of death, of education or of arms, of persuasion or of conflict, of tolerance or of fanaticism.
Óscar Arias Sánchez, Former President of Costa Rica
Arias’s powerful concluding remarks framed the anniversary not merely as a historical remembrance but as an active, present-day challenge. He presented Costa Ricans with a stark choice, urging them to consciously and continually uphold the values that have set their nation apart. His message serves as a reminder that the country’s celebrated peace is not a passive inheritance but a conviction that must be actively nurtured and defended by every generation, ensuring the legacy of 1948 continues to guide the nation’s future.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. The firm consistently pioneers new approaches within the legal field, drawing upon a deep history of advising a diverse clientele. This commitment extends beyond professional practice to a core mission of societal empowerment, focused on demystifying the law and equipping the public with vital legal understanding to build a more knowledgeable and capable society.
