Oscar Arias - Give Peace a Chance
- Tony Chapman
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
An Unforgettable Conversation: Nobel Peace Prize Winner Oscar Arias on Chatter That Matters
Lessons in Peace, Leadership, and Changing the World
On this episode of Chatter That Matters, Tony Chapman welcomes a guest whose impact reverberates far beyond his country's borders: Dr. Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and two-time president of Costa Rica. Arias, known worldwide for architecting the historic Arias Peace Plan that ended bloody conflicts in Central America, opens up about what it takes to lead with principle, face down superpowers, and believe in the possibility of peace.
From Childhood Dreams to Global Diplomacy
Oscar Arias shares how his early passion for leadership was sparked by reading biographies of great statesmen gifted by his father. “I personally went into public service because I wanted to help people, and not only the Costa Rican people or the Central American peoples, the whole of humanity,” Arias recalls. Inspired by figures like Lincoln, Churchill, and de Gaulle, he prepared for a life in politics—and ultimately found himself at the heart of one of the world’s most violent regions.
Standing Up to Superpowers and Building Peace
During his presidency, as neighboring countries burned from conflict and the U.S. and the Soviet Union played a dangerous game of military chess, Arias made the audacious choice to pursue negotiation over warfare. When asked how he summoned the courage to defy American pressure, Arias states, “From my value system, from my principles, I couldn't lie to the Costa Rican people. I had promised I was going to look for a negotiated peace.” His moral clarity and resolve helped usher in free elections in Nicaragua and a new era of hope in the region.
The Ongoing Fight Against Wasteful Militarism
Arias remains a fierce advocate for redirecting global spending from arms and conflict to education, health care, and poverty eradication. “The Romans said, if you want to live in peace, prepare for war. That's quite stupid. If you want to live in peace, don't spend so much money on arms,” he urges. From championing the Arms Trade Treaty at the United Nations to his current vision for a world-class Peace Museum in Costa Rica, Arias continues to challenge global leaders—and all of us—to invest in humanity’s future.
The True Dividends of Peace
In recounting his address to the UN Security Council, Arias emphasized the transformative power of shifting military budgets toward meeting people’s needs: “With the smallest percentage changes, we could equip all homes with electricity, achieve universal literacy and eradicate all preventable diseases. These are the dividends of peace.”
Why This Conversation Matters Today
Oscar Arias’s life story serves as both inspiration and blueprint for those who believe peace is possible, but only when values, honesty, and service take precedence over power and profit. His belief that “the purpose of political leadership is to educate” is a call to all current and future leaders.
About Chatter That Matters and Host Tony Chapman
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Chatter That Matters is one of Canada’s top-rated podcasts, showcasing stories and lessons from a diverse range of guests, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and everyday change-makers. Each episode illustrates how individuals transform challenges into triumphs through mindset and resilience.
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