Modern Panama, de Conniff y Bigler

Una lectura de nuestra evolución política reciente

Abstract

Cambridge University Press, one of the most prestigious university publishers, published in 2019 Modern Panama: From Occupation to Crossroads of the Americas, whose authors are the well-known historian Michael L. Conniff and the diplomat Gene E. Bigler, both Americans. The Spanish version, modern Panama: From occupied territory to the center of the Americas was published simultaneously by the City of Knowledge Foundation and Novo Art. This review is based on the original text (in English), to which the references and numbers correspond of page indicated below.

A past of tensions

Modern Panama covers our recent history from 1980. The first chapter, however, goes back to the origins of Panama as a nominally independent State, after its separation from Colombia in 1903. This chapter emphasizes the tensions between Panama and the United States at throughout the 20th century, culminating in the events of January 9, 1964. On that occasion, three days of nationalist protest left a tragic death toll of 25 dead (including four US soldiers). The authors highlight the discriminatory treatment received by many Panamanians in the Canal Zone under US administration (1904-1979). Panamanians were excluded and often intimidated by "zonians" and Canal Zone officials, thus helping to create unhealthy relations between both parties.

The 1968 military coup — and the 21-year dictatorship it gave rise to — are also addressed in the first chapter. The 1968 coup fueled the rise to power of the National Guard, initially dominated by two officers, Boris Martínez and Omar Torrijos. Early the following year, Torrijos deposed Martinez and, in collaboration with US intelligence agencies, sent him into exile in Miami. For the next twelve years, Torrijos was the dictator of Panama. After signing two treaties on the canal with the United States, in 1977, he announced a supposed "return to democracy." He relaxed restrictions on political activity and, in 1978, selected one of his collaborators, Aristides Royo, as President of the Republic.