As Donald Trump returns to the White House, much focus was expected on Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba, but Panama has surprisingly taken center stage, even becoming the site of Marco Rubio’s first trip abroad as Secretary of State. President Trump has said the U.S. should take the Panama Canal back. Are his true goals reducing China’s influence in key infrastructure projects and securing greater Panamanian cooperation on migration and trade, or is he serious about the threats? While China’s role has grown, they don’t control the canal. Meanwhile, Panama’s deep historical and economic ties to the U.S. remain strong, fueling confusion in Panama about Trump’s intentions. In this episode we talk to Panamanian political analyst Rodrigo Noriega about Panama’s past, present and future, assessing how the country’s political class, public opinion the canal authorities are processing this delicate moment.
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Host:
Brian Winter is the editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly
Guest:
Rodrigo Noriega is a political analyst
If you’d like to know more:
Why the U.S. Should Not Take Back the Panama Canal by Javier Corrales and James Loxton
What Trump Really Wants in Panama by Brian Winter
Panama: A 2025 Snapshot by Emilie Sweigart
Panama’s José Raúl Mulino Says He’s “Nobody’s Puppet” by Mary Triny Zea
