War Fears Mount: 36 Nations Thrive Without Armies, Relying on Global Pacts

• Amidst rising global tensions, 36 countries and autonomous regions operate without their own official armies.
• Their security is primarily maintained through 'International Defense Pacts' with powerful neighbors or global superpowers.
• Examples include India protecting Bhutan, Italy securing Vatican City, UK for Gibraltar, and the US for Palau and Marshall Islands; Iceland is a NATO member.
• Countries like Costa Rica (1948) and Panama (1990) disbanded their militaries, redirecting funds to education and healthcare.
• Despite lacking armies, these nations are not immune to global economic impacts like inflation or crude oil shortages caused by international conflicts.