The Panama Canal has long been a symbol of global trade, U.S. engineering might, and international diplomacy. In the upcoming book, “Trump, the Canal, and the ‘America First’ Debate: Revisiting the Legacy of the Panama Canal Transfer”, the complex story of the canal’s history, politics, and future takes center stage. This ambitious and timely work dives deep into one of the most pivotal decisions in U.S. foreign policy: President Jimmy Carter’s controversial decision to transfer control of the Panama Canal back to Panama, juxtaposed with Donald Trump’s rhetoric about reclaiming the canal under his “America First” ideology.
The book opens with a rich history of the canal, from its French beginnings to the monumental efforts by the U.S. to complete it under Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency. It paints the canal as more than just a marvel of engineering—it was a tool of power and control, symbolizing America’s rising global influence in the early 20th century. However, as the world changed, so did the political discourse around the canal, culminating in the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977. Authoritative and well-researched, the book revisits Carter’s rationale for relinquishing control, exploring themes of sovereignty, justice, and Cold War diplomacy. Was Carter’s decision the right move?
The book argues that while Carter’s treaties repaired strained U.S.-Latin American relations and gave Panama its dignity, it also sparked fears about losing a critical U.S. asset. Fast-forward to the Trump administration, and the Panama Canal once again became a topic of debate. Through the lens of Trump’s “America First” policy, the book examines Trump’s arguments for revisiting Carter’s decision, particularly in light of growing Chinese influence in Panama and Latin America. Trump’s administration highlighted China’s Belt and Road investments near the canal as a potential threat to U.S. interests. But could Trump’s proposals to reclaim control have been practical—or even legal?
The book doesn’t just focus on the past—it looks ahead. It speculates on the Panama Canal’s future in a world shaped by climate change, shifting global trade routes, and growing geopolitical rivalries. As Panama manages the canal in the 21st century, can it maintain its neutrality and avoid becoming a pawn in the U.S.-China rivalry?
Why This Book Matters Now
“Trump, the Canal, and the ‘America First’ Debate” isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a timely exploration of power, diplomacy, and the global economy. As the United States grapples with its role in a rapidly changing world, this book challenges readers to rethink the implications of past decisions and the future of one of the most strategic waterways on Earth. For those fascinated by the intersection of history, politics, and global trade, this book is an essential read. It is a reminder that the Panama Canal remains not just a route for ships, but a battleground for ideas, influence, and power.
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“Trump, the Canal, and the ‘America First’ Debate”, and let’s continue the conversation about the legacy of the Panama Canal.