A Bold Peace
1h 29m
Directed by Matthew Eddy, Michael Dreiling • Documentary • 2017 • 89 minutes
In his famous 'Cross of Iron' speech in 1953, President Eisenhower critiqued the military-industrial complex while asking, 'Is there no other way the world may live?' In Costa Rica today, we glimpse another way to live.
In 1948, 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, they used the financial savings to invest in their people, creating strong public institutions including public higher education and universal health care. In short, Costa Ricans created a society committed to peace, solidarity, and international law. They have survived with safety and relative prosperity for nearly 70 years without a standing army.