Panama Archives - Americas Quarterly

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Panama’s Protests Are About More Than a Mine

A mining dispute has tapped into greater frustration over corruption and environmental policy.

The Darien Gap’s Fearsome Reputation Has Been Centuries in the Making

Before it became a migration hotspot, the area attracted visions for colonization and connection. So far, all have failed.

More and more migrants from Venezuela and other countries are passing through Panama's in the Darien Gap.

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.

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.