As UVA’s Center for Politics kicked off Global Week on Grounds, dozens of students were offered the rare treat of attending a lecture given by the current Panamanian ambassador to the US. The initiative aims to give students a global perspective from those involved in government, NGOs, and other international organizations. The Panama ambassador to the US, his excellency José Miguel Aláman Healy, was part of the “Ambassador Series.” Healy provided a compelling history of Panama and US cooperation, and answered a host of questions from UVA Professor David Leblang and audience members, many of which were relevant to the issues we face today.
Healy painted a fairly rosy picture of cooperation between the US and Panama, which began in 1855 when the two countries cooperated to build the Panama railroad, which aided in the eventual construction of the Panama Canal. Panama also served as a popular point of travel for people on the East Coast who were trying to travel to California during the Gold Rush. Healy’s presentation of present-day Panama was of a healthy economy centered around its canal, which had served as an important military juncture in centuries prior, but today is primarily a nexus point for globalized commerce.
UVA in particular has a special place in Healy’s heart since he has had family members graduate from the University. When reflecting on Thomas Jefferson, Healy appreciated Jefferson’s understanding that the strength of a nation comes from its “ability to connect.” For a country like Panama, whose economy runs on trade connecting continents and the coexistence of a diverse populace, connecting is part of its national identity.
Following his opening speech, Healy sat down with UVA Professor Leblang to answer pressing questions related to human rights, China, and the recent US escalation in the Caribbean. The issue of migration through the Darién Gap — the thin stretch of land connecting Panama and Colombia — came first. The forest is historically a hot spot through which immigrants in South America will travel to reach the US, Mexico, or other North American countries. Unaccompanied minors will frequently travel the gap, posing a serious humanitarian risk. Healy claimed that Panama has taken steps to guarantee the safety of people in such situations and has also cracked down on immigration as a whole so that the number of people coming through is more manageable. Healy estimated that only 60 to 70 people come through annually now, thanks to the drop in immigration from Venezuela and efforts by the Colombian and Panamanian governments.
Professor Leblang also asked Healy about China’s potential influence over Panama. In recent years, lawmakers have scrutinized China’s ownership of several ports along the Panama Canal, along with the country’s plans to construct a bridge that would give China the unique ability to stop traffic through the whole canal. Healy countered that China’s position isn’t entirely unique, given that several countries — including China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the US — operate ports along the shipping route. Panama’s strict neutrality on such matters can be assured, Healy argued. The country of Panama is guaranteed its security by the US, so in the case of a dramatic move by the Chinese, the US would have the constitutional right to intervene.
The final question touched on how Panama views the recent US escalation in the region. In recent weeks, the US has conducted lethal strikes against ships suspected of transporting illegal substances, many of which have occurred close to Panama. In a very diplomatic answer, Healy asserted that Panama is a peaceful country and does not want to make any comments about situations not affecting them.
Global Week at UVA has plenty of opportunities for students to engage with interesting perspectives. The case of Panama is just one example of a seemingly unimportant country actually being relevant to international relations dialogues today. Students who attend some of the other events this week will be pleasantly surprised at how much there is to learn from all corners of the world, and also be given the chance to interact with professionals in a variety of fields.
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