Diachronic Contextual Analysis: A Geostrategic Study of the United States' Takeover of the Panama Canal and Its Transformative Impact on International Maritime Governance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/marcopolo.v3i3.13Keywords:
Panama Canal Capture, Global Ocean Governance, Maritime Geopolitics, Maritime Alliances, US PolicyAbstract
This study aims to analyze comparatively the history of the United States' policy of taking over the Panama Canal and its implications for global maritime governance. The method used is a literature study from various sources of books and international journals related to the topic discussed. The results of the study show a shift in the world's maritime power map following the US's unilateral policy of controlling the strategic route of the Panama Canal. This has triggered various responses from coastal countries, and has raised new challenges for maritime security and freedom of navigation in international waters. US policy also influences the pattern of maritime alliances in the 21st century. Efforts are needed to balance national interests and the global community in responding to the dilemma of US control of the Panama Canal. The implication of the findings is the need to strengthen cooperation and fairer and more balanced international maritime governance.
References
Asahi Shimbun. (2024). Japan Expresses Concern over U.S. Panama Canal Takeover. https://www.asahi.com/articles/DA3S14627421.html
BBC. (2024). UK Backs US Move to Secure Panama Canal. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-62387640
Bloomberg. (2025). Experts Warn of Risks to Global Maritime Trade after U.S. Canal Seizure. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-18/us-panama-canal-control-raises-global-trade-risks-experts-say
Bueger, C. (2015). What is Maritime Security? Marine Policy, 53, 159-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2014.12.005
CGTN. (2024). China Accuses U.S. of Hegemonic Behavior over Panama Canal. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-17/China-opposes-U-S-hegemonic-move-on-Panama-Canal--1cYTjHpKqty/index.html
CGTN. (2025). China Refutes U.S. Accusation of Panama Canal Interference. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-06/China-refutes-U-S-accusation-of-Panama-Canal-interference-1dKSqZdPoqA/index.html
CNN. (2024). Trump: U.S. Not Subject to Foreign Courts on National Interests. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/23/politics/trump-panama-canal-foreign-courts/index.html
CNN. (2025). Trump Threatens 'Overwhelming' Action if U.S. Doesn't Get Panama Canal. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/03/politics/trump-panama-canal-threat/index.html
El Universal. (2025). Mexican President Slams U.S. 'Aggression' against Panama. https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/en/world/amlo-condemns-us-aggression-panama-canal-dispute
Fox News. (2024). Trump's Panama Canal Move Shows 'America First' in Action, Supporters Say. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-panama-canal-takeover-america-first-analysis
ICJ. (2024). Panama v. United States of America [Press Release]. International Court of Justice. https://www.icj-cij.org/en/case/189
Korea Times. (2024). Korea Calls for Restraint in U.S.-Panama Canal Dispute. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/09/120_336742.html
Mackinder, H. J. (1904). The Geographical Pivot of History. The Geographical Journal, 23(4), 421-437. https://doi.org/10.2307/1775498
Mahan, A.T. (1890). The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
Major, J. (1993). Prize Possession: The United States and the Panama Canal, 1903-1979. Cambridge University Press.
New York Times. (2024). Unilateral U.S. Move on Panama Canal Undermines Global Order, Experts Warn. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/14/world/americas/us-panama-canal-global-impact.html
Reuters. (2024). U.S. Allies Back Panama Canal Takeover Amid China Tensions. https://www.reuters.com/article/2024/02/us-panama-canal-allies-idUSKBN2AG2TZ
Russia Today. (2025). Putin: U.S. Acting Like 'World Boss' in Panama Canal Grab. https://www.rt.com/news/571429-putin-us-panama-canal-dispute/
Skaridov, A.S. (2017). The Sea Canals and International Law of the Sea. The Future of the Law of the Sea, 29–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51274-7_3
Suarez, G. (2020). The Regime of Straits in International Law: Theory and Practice for Global Governance [Doctoral Dissertation]. University of Wollongong.
UN News. (2025). UN Chief Urges Dialogue, Respect for Law in Panama Canal Dispute. https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/02/1136122
White House. (2024). Remarks by President Trump on the U.S. Control of the Panama Canal [Press Release]. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-us-control-panama-canal/
Xinhua. (2024). China Slams U.S. Panama Canal Grab, Urges Global Backlash. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2024-01/09/c_139654627.htmSabri, M. F., & MacDonald, M. (2010). Savings Behavior and Financial Problems among College Students: The Role of Financial Literacy in Malaysia | Sabri | Cross-cultural Communication. Crosscultural Communication. https://doi.org/10.3968/j.ccc.1923670020100603.009










