expenditures to prevent corruption. An election tribunal has the task of preventing electoral fraud. Autonomous institutions, in which opposition parties are represented, are responsible for electricity, water, telecommunication and banking. Political power is widely dispersed, to make it difficult for any small group to seize illegitimate power.

Finally, Costa Rica relies on the collective security mechanisms of the United Nations and the Organization of American States. Other countries can benefit from its experience. While other Central American countries have long suffered from war and military coups and squandered much of their resources on the military, Costa Rica has enjoyed peace, stable democracy, and its per capita income is double that of its neighbors.

Arias has also suffered some setbacks. He tried hard to persuade President Violetta Chamorro to abolish theNicaraguan army after her election victory in 1990, but she did not quite have the courage to do so. The Sandinistas had just lost an election and would not have dared to overthrow her government. At least, the army was reduced from 80,000 to 20,000 troops.

Overall, Oscar Arias’ contribution to peace and demilitarization is impressive. One individual, with dedication, persistence and clear thinking, can make an amazing difference. In El Salvador, a reduction in the size of the army is part of the recent peace accord. In Guatemala, this question is under negotiation. Arias dreams of a totally demilitarized Central America, and ultimately a demilitarized world.

Johan Galtung, a Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Hawaii and the European Peace University, Austria, is a former teacher of