How the U.S. Seized Control of the Canal

Putting his life on the line, author Cillian Dunne journeyed to Central America to live with Carlos Wittgreen, the right-hand man of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Granted access to hundreds of Noriega’s long-hidden files, and with the first hand testimony of the enforcer himself, Cillian wrote ‘The Right Hand Man’, available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZMHHKQC/

It was so cool hearing what it was like spending time with such a dangerous man, the various assassination attempts, and the nefarious dealings that took place between the CIA and this revolutionary socialist regime. Check it out!

This production was made possible by DFI Rentals - book gear for your next shoot here: https://www.dfirentals.com/

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Cillian's website: http://therighthandmanbook.com/

Follow Cillian: https://www.instagram.com/dunne.cillian/

CHAPTERS

00:00 What is the Panama Canal and how is it relevant to the rest of the world?

04:26 How did America seize control of the Panama Canal?

09:03 Revolutions and socialism in Panama

17:40 How Noriega got into bed with the USA

23:56 The Iran-Contra Affair

25:42 Assassination attempts on Noriega

28:50 What I uncovered about CIA, DEA & DOJ intervention

35:07 What was the most shocking thing going on at that time?

40:39 The drug trade across borders

45:45 Further unpacking the Iran-Contra Affair

48:54 What was it like spending time with Noriega’s right hand man?

54:58 The power dynamics between global leaders

57:38 What do you want to achieve with your book?

59:43 What do you make of conspiracy theories?

1:04:42 More about Cillian

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ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION:

In a world saturated by social media and marked by skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and ADHD among Gen Z, young people are growing up in a landscape of chaos and contradiction. While protests swell in city streets and activists hurl soup at famous artworks to demand climate action, a quieter crisis unfolds within - the mental and emotional battles faced by a generation trying to make sense of it all.

The Next Generation is hosted by 20-year-old Elliot Bewick, offering a raw and honest look at the world through the eyes of those living in it. Bringing together insight from professionals and young people on the ground, this podcast isn’t here to complain or chase clout. It’s here to bend the arc of the modern world towards solutions, truth and a love for the beautiful adventure of life itself.