Panamanian-U.S. relations towards 2000: an opportunity for partnership

Abstract

This thesis reviews Panamanian-U.S. relations in an attempt to understand the possibilities in the relationship both now and beyond 2000. This subject is important because of the strategic interest of the United States in Panama and the Panama Canal. As currently planned, the United States will turn over control of the Canal and the last U.S. military forces will depart by noon on 31 December 1999. This, however, may not be necessary or desirable. After viewing three levels of analysis--the international system, domestic politics, and leadership-- this thesis has determined that there are possibilities in Panama other than a total withdrawal by the United States. In the current environment (of an inter- national system moving towards regional integration; of a domestic political reality in Panama dominated by commercial interests; and an urban, upper-class, seemingly pro-U.S. president in the leadership position), it seems that the United States could sucessfully pursue some involvement in post-1999 management of the Panama Canal and the renegotiation of U.S. basing rights in Panama beyond 2000.