PA
Stories (5)
The Mulino Doctrine
Summary: The Mulino Doctrine describes how Panama, a small yet strategically pivotal state, is redefining its foreign policy under President José Raúl Mulino. Key themes include: - Strategic autonomy through active management: Panama seeks to hedge bets among great powers rather than align with one side, aiming to preserve independence amid U.S.–China competition. - Selective engagement and institutional hedging: Rather than rejecting or embracing powers globally, Panama eng
2026-05-24Panama's Role in US-China Rivalry
Panama’s foreign policy under Mulino blends selective hedging with a decisive tilt toward U.S. security and investment, while preserving canal neutrality and non-discrimination. Since recognizing the PRC in 2017, Panama welcomed Chinese commercial presence but kept the canal’s treaty-based regime intact. The government has quietly re-weighted toward Washington—pulling out of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and signaling stronger U.S.-Panama security cooperation—without sev
2026-05-24Panama 2024
Summary: - Elections: Panama held its seventh general election on 5 May 2024, electing a president, 71 National Assembly members, 81 mayors, 701 local representatives, and 11 councillors. Voter turnout was the highest since democracy was restored, amid widespread social protests and dissatisfaction with the political class and governing institutions. - Political context and issues: The campaign centered on corruption, inequality, cost of living, crime, public service qualit
2026-05-24Elections in Panama
Panama’s China factor shapes its 2019–2024 diplomacy, economy, and security outlook. Key points: - China-Panama ties: Since formalizing relations in 2017, Panama positioned as China’s regional commercial arm, strengthening Beijing’s “one China” position and consolidating influence in Latin America. - Economic footprint: China secured copper resources and advanced infrastructure (e.g., canal-related projects, the fourth bridge) and expanded the Colón Free Zone with 18 Chinese
2026-05-24Securing the Panama Canal Requires Diplomacy
Panama’s political calculus under President Laurentino “Mulino” Cortizo faces mounting pressure on security, economics, and diplomacy amid U.S. scrutiny and Chinese influence. Key points: - U.S.-Panama dynamic: Washington’s demands (lower ship fees, free passage for U.S. warships, greater distancing from China, possible canal handover) risk destabilizing Mulino’s fragile political position. Balancing pragmatism with pushback is delicate; over-compliance could signal weakness
2026-05-24