Does International Humanitarian Law Play Any Role in Demilitarized Countries? A Policy Analysis of Costa Rica and Panama

Authors

  • Juan C. Méndez Barquero Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Keywords:

International humanitarian law, demilitarization, armed forces, Costa Rica, Panama

Abstract

This  article  reviews  the  role  of  International  Humanitarian  Law  (IHL)  in  demilitarized  countries  with  a  case  study of Costa Rica and Panama, two  small Central American countries that  have  constitutionally  abolished  their  armies. The paper addresses the question of whether a country that has not  a regular army can in fact be respectful and supportive of the international rules governing armed conflicts. Through  a  detailed  review  of  national  bodies and legislation in both countries,  the findings allow the author to conclude that the lack of regular armies or military forces is not a convincing argument to  disobey and ignore the norms of IHL.

Author Biography

Juan C. Méndez Barquero, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica

Investigador de la Escuela de Relaciones Internacionales de la Universidad Nacional

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Published

2012-07-01

How to Cite

Does International Humanitarian Law Play Any Role in Demilitarized Countries? A Policy Analysis of Costa Rica and Panama. (2012). Relaciones Internacionales, 84(2). https://www.revistas.una.ac.cr/index.php/ri/article/view/5167

Issue

Section

Articles (peer reviewed)

How to Cite

Does International Humanitarian Law Play Any Role in Demilitarized Countries? A Policy Analysis of Costa Rica and Panama. (2012). Relaciones Internacionales, 84(2). https://www.revistas.una.ac.cr/index.php/ri/article/view/5167

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