The President’s Inbox Trump’s Plan for the Panama Canal, With Will Freeman
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Apr 15, 2025 Will Freeman, a Fellow for Latin America Studies at CFR, shares insights on the complexities of U.S.-Panama relations. He discusses Trump's provocative suggestion for the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal and its implications for geopolitical stability. The conversation dives into Panama's current political landscape, President Molino's challenges, and the economic impacts of the U.S.-China trade war on Latin American countries. Freeman emphasizes the need for diplomacy and understanding regional identities in light of historical U.S. influence.
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Canal's Economic Importance
- The Panama Canal handles 5% of global maritime trade and is crucial for the U.S. economy, with 75% of canal flows related to U.S. ports.
- Panama's successful management has boosted its economic importance, contributing almost 10% to the government's budget.
U.S. Control and Tensions
- From 1903 to 1979, the U.S. controlled the Canal Zone, a 50-mile strip of land across Panama, housing U.S. workers and military bases.
- This caused tensions, including the 1964 clash over the canal, shaping Panamanian national identity.
Reasons for Sovereignty Transfer
- The U.S. decision to give Panama sovereignty over the canal stemmed from security concerns, not altruism.
- Making the canal neutral aimed to prevent sabotage and interference.