I think you are discounting their dependence on the US and other countries to protect them; they didn't decide without these assurances in place. The US forgave

I think you are discounting their dependence on the US and other countries to protect them; they didn't decide without these assurances in place. The US forgave a lot of their debt in 2007 in exchange for protecting their rainforests. The US is their largest trading partner. Mess with Costa Rica, and the US Armed Forces 'will most likely' stand against you. The US Coast Guard can operate off their shores because of the Drug War and an agreement with Costa Rica. It's never simple.