Watch a recording here: https://youtu.be/zEsAiJ7lPNY

In his inaugural speech, Donald Trump doubled down on his pre-inauguration pledge to “take back” the Panama Canal, claiming that its transfer was a “foolish gift” that should never have been made. The U.S. President also accused China of operating the canal and criticized alleged unfair tariffs imposed on U.S. ships. Framing his stance within the 19th-century doctrine of Manifest Destiny, Trump’s remarks reignited debates over U.S. influence in the region. Panamanian authorities swiftly reaffirmed their sovereignty over the canal, rejecting any suggestion of external control. As part of CAPC’s third event of the academic year, this panel will explore the Panamanian perspective on the controversy, providing historical context on the canal’s ownership, analyzing its strategic significance, and addressing common misconceptions surrounding the issue.

We will have the following participants:

• Constantino Urcuyo Fournier, Tulane University (moderator)
• Alfredo Castillero Hoyos, Centro Internacional de Estudios Políticos y Sociales AIP-Panamá
• Juan Diego Alvarado, University of Maryland, College Park