Belizean Military History

Belize, a small Central American nation, has a unique military history shaped by its colonial past and regional tensions. Originally established as a British logging colony, Belize's military has traditionally focused on defense rather than aggression. In the 1980s, it faced threats from neighboring Guatemala, which claimed Belizean territory. Responding to these challenges, Belize developed its army, the Belize Defence Force (BDF), and strengthened ties with the British military and regional allies. Today, the BDF primarily engages in peacekeeping and disaster response, reflecting Belize's commitment to stability and cooperation in a broader geopolitical context.