Consider This from NPR: The People and the Waterway at the Center of the Panama Canal

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Ari Shapiro

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ari Shapiro delves into the escalating tensions surrounding the Panama Canal, a vital artery of global trade. Triggered by President Donald Trump's provocative remarks about "taking back" the canal, the situation has ignited a mix of diplomatic responses, public protests, and satirical backlash within Panama. This summary captures the episode's comprehensive exploration of the issue, highlighting key discussions, insights, and perspectives from various stakeholders.

Trump's Provocative Claims and Initial Reactions

The controversy began when President Donald Trump publicly expressed intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal, a statement that sent shockwaves through Panama and the international community. Shapiro opens the episode by recounting the immediate reactions:

Ari Shapiro [00:00]: "When President Donald Trump started talking about taking back the Panama Canal right around Christmas, there was a lot of reaction from people in Panama, diplomatic but firm statements from the president, chants and American flag burning in the streets. And also memes."

This declaration not only sparked diplomatic tensions but also fueled public outrage and creative expressions of dissent among Panamanians.

Panamanian Satire: El Gallinazo's Response

Central to the Panamanian public’s reaction is El Gallinazo, a renowned satire group. Members Joel Diaz and Yessica Salado provide insight into how humor has become a tool for coping with political stress:

Yessica Salado [00:16]: "We get angry, but it's also funny because, come on."

Yessica Salado [00:43]: "What El Gallinazo does is that it's like a translator of very important and serious news, but in a Panamanian slang. So everyone can be like, inform, but entertain at the same time."

El Gallinazo uses satire to comment on serious political matters, making complex issues accessible and engaging for the general public. Their illustrations, such as Esperanza Villalobos's depiction of Trump as a crying baby pointing at the canal (00:25), highlight the group's critical stance towards both Panamanian and foreign politicians.

Panama Canal: A Pillar of Global Trade

Shapiro provides a historical context to emphasize the canal's significance:

Ari Shapiro [04:11]: "This spot has sat at the center of global trade for more than a century, connecting two oceans. The things Americans use every day pass through here from gasoline to food."

Since 1999, Panama has maintained control over the canal, a strategic asset initially handed over by the United States under treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977, which underscored a commitment to fairness and international cooperation.

U.S. Political Maneuvering and Diplomatic Relations

The episode highlights U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's involvement following Trump's statements. Rubio's visit aimed to address the tensions, emphasizing that Trump's claims about Chinese control over the canal were unfounded:

Marco Rubio [04:24]: "China is running the Panama Canal that was not given to China, that was given to Panama foolishly, but they violated the agreement and we're going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen."

However, these assertions were quickly debunked:

Ambassador John Feeley [09:30]: "The two port concessions that a Hong Kong based company operate do not have the military logistical capability to shut the canal down."

Rubio's confrontation with Panama's President José Raúl Molino underscores the delicate balance between asserting U.S. influence and respecting Panama's sovereignty.

Panamanian Sovereignty and National Identity

President Molino of Panama firmly rejects any notion of relinquishing control over the canal:

President Molina [05:15]: "Panama fully took control of the passage in 1999, but when President Jimmy Carter signed those treaties back in 1977, he said the agreements showed the kind of leader he wanted the US to be."

Public sentiment in Panama strongly favors national sovereignty and views the canal as a core aspect of national identity. This sentiment is vividly expressed through widespread displays of the Panamanian flag and public demonstrations:

Marlenis Nunez, High School Art Teacher [10:54]: "The canal is ours. I'll have to kill us all, she says. We are small, but we have a huge heart. You are a teacher. You are not a soldier."

These expressions of national pride highlight the canal's integral role in Panamanian society and the collective resistance against perceived external threats.

Economic Implications and Global Politics

The Panama Canal remains a crucial conduit for global commerce, with approximately 40% of U.S. maritime traffic passing through it. The episode explores the broader economic implications of any potential disruption:

Ari Shapiro [05:25]: "This is one of the few places in the world where you actually want to be on a sinking ship. Be welcome to one of the wonders of the world. Be welcome to the Panama Canal."

The canal's expansion in 2016 has increased its capacity, handling about 35 ships daily, predominantly from the U.S. This underscores the canal's strategic importance, not just for Panama but for global trade dynamics.

Public Protests and Collective Sentiment

Panamanian protests reflect a united front against external interference. Demonstrations range from the burning of American flags to creative acts of defiance, such as ice carving:

Ari Shapiro [10:14]: "In protests all over the city, Panamanians made their feelings clear. In one, construction workers burned an American flag in the middle of a major street."

These protests signify a broader resistance against what is perceived as neocolonialism and the encroachment of powerful nations into Panamanian affairs.

Conclusion: The Future of the Panama Canal

As the episode concludes, Shapiro emphasizes the precarious nature of the situation:

Ambassador John Feeley [09:25]: "He says he's been warning about China's influence in Latin America since at least 2017."

While Trump's threats have stirred significant unrest, the true impact hinges on the unfolding geopolitical maneuvers and the resilience of Panamanian sovereignty. The episode closes without a definitive resolution, highlighting the ongoing tension and the canal's pivotal role in international relations.

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Karen Zamora, Alejandra Marquez, Hanse Rolando Arrieta, Andrea Salcedo, and Connor Donovan. Editing was handled by Courtney Dorning and Sami Yenigun, who also serves as the executive producer.

Note: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and perspectives presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to Consider This.