bonsai army

Meanings

1. A sovereign state's army or military force that is too small to fundamentally protect the country, and could be considered to exist merely "for decoration".
2. A tiny, largely-ornamental (military) structure bereft of the capability to effectively carry out its constitutional missions.
3. A military that covers the entire spectrum of capabilities, but has virtually no external military clout.

Etymology

In reference to the small size and decorative nature of bonsai plants.