For the vast majority of countries, the recent debates about the criminalisation of aggression by the International Criminal Court have an entirely defensive significance. As their histories record, most of them have never even contemplated the use of armed force outside their own borders. Friendly relations with their neighbours are the means to ensure peace and security. More broadly, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Organization of American States and the European Union offer the protection they need and that tanks, airplanes and modern weapons cannot provide. Their objective is to minimise military expenditures so that revenues can be spent on health care, education, and other needs of their population. Such priorities are dictated by international human rights obligations, mainly in the area of economic, social and cultural rights.