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AQ Podcast | The Panama Canal: Past, Present and Future
An overview of Panama’s historical ties to the U.S. and where the crisis might be headed next.
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What Trump Really Wants in Panama
Whether it’s countering China, or pursuing a new U.S. expansionism, the president’s threats have already led to concrete action inside Panama, writes AQ’s editor-in-chief.
![People look at two cargo ships entering the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal on January 22.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194689204-300x192.jpg)
Why the U.S. Should Not Take Back the Panama Canal
There were good reasons to return the canal to Panama. Undoing it now would be a geopolitical disaster.
![Panama: A 2025 Snapshot](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TREND-SNAPSHOT-THUMBNAILS-PANAMA-300x199.png)
Panama: A 2025 Snapshot
AQ tracks political and economic trends to watch and key indicators in 2025.
![President José Raúl Mulino speaks at a press conference in Panama City in August.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/GettyImages-2164164543-300x193.jpg)
Panama’s José Raúl Mulino Says He’s “Nobody’s Puppet”
The president is facing a fiscal crunch, a migration crisis and problems with the Panama Canal. There’s also his powerful political sponsor.
![President José Raúl Mulino (L) waves next to National Assembly President Dana Castañeda at his inauguration in Panama City on July 1.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mulino-Inauguration-300x200.jpg)
Panama’s New President Signals an Ambitious Agenda
José Raúl Mulino promises to close the Darién Gap to migration while pushing a major dam to shore up the Panama Canal.
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AQ Podcast | Panama: New President, Global Challenges
Panama sits at the intersection of several big global challenges. In this episode, an overview of what’s ahead for the recently-elected José Raúl Mulino.
![José Raúl Mulino, the protege of President Ricardo Martinelli, won Panama's presidential elections and will be the next president.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mulino-Victory-300x200.jpg)
REACTION: José Raúl Mulino Wins Panama’s Presidency
The former security minister and running mate of Ricardo Martinelli won with more than 34% of the vote. Analysts share what this means for Panama’s politics and economy.
![Former Panamanian president and presidential candidate Ricardo Martinelli (R) and vice-presidential candidate Jose Raul Mulino participate in a political rally in Panama City on February 3, 2024. Martinelli kicked off his campaign for the May 5 presidential election on Saturday at a rally with thousands of supporters, a day after his candidacy was put at risk by an unappealable court ruling.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mulino-and-Martinelli-300x202.jpg)
Martinelli’s Shadow Still Dominates Panama Election
The former president’s proxy candidate, José Raúl Mulino, leads the polls ahead of the May 5 vote.
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Meet the Candidates: Panama
Panama’s 2024 elections, shaped by last year’s protests, will take place on May 5.
![A Supreme Court ruling on Central America’s largest open mine has essential implications for Panama's May 2024 presidential election.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/PanamaMining-300x200.jpg)
What Panama’s Mining Showdown Means for Its Presidential Race
A Supreme Court ruling has crucial implications for the May 2024 election and the five leading candidates.
![Protests against the Canadian First Quantum Minerals mine in Panama continue in Panama City, Panama, as President Laurentino Cortizo defended a new contract with the copper mining giant.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Panama-Protests-300x200.jpg)
Panama’s Protests Are About More Than a Mine
A mining dispute has tapped into greater frustration over corruption and environmental policy.
![More and more migrants from Venezuela and other countries are passing through Panama's in the Darien Gap.](https://americasquarterly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GettyImages-1243964111-1-300x200.jpg)
The Predatory Economy Thriving in Panama’s Darién Gap
With millions on the move, businesses and criminal groups are turning big profits with destructive consequences.
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A Community’s Life, Told in Textiles
Panama’s Indigenous Guna people, forced to relocate by rising seas, keep tradition alive by crafting vibrant molas.
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AQ Podcast | Former President Solís on Central America: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
A comprehensive look at challenges to democracy but also reasons for hope in the region