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Is it possible for there to be a nation that has scientific pursuit as it's major goal?
What I mean is, a nation {regardless of size but preferably not a tiny Switzerland-like nation} that while seeking to protect it's borders does not try to become a regional/major power? Instead, said nation would invest most or all of it's resources into science and infrastructure?
My first thought was that the U.S.A did this but then remembered the Mexican-American war and the Monroe Doctrine {among other things}.
Anyway, it's really an idea for a sci-fi story rattling around in my head and I just wanted to know if it was/is possible for any nation to do this and survive.