The Canal of Panama and Globalization : Growth and Challenges in the 21st Century

This book explores the relationship between the Panama Canal and the evolution of the global economy. It details the role the Canal played in America’s ascendancy and the development of modern globalization. Then, it explores how the Panamanian people have brought the Panama Canal into the 21st Century, making the nation an ever-bigger player in multi-modal transport and international trade. It concludes with a deep dive into the future of globalization and what it ultimately means for the Canal. Acknowledgments Contents About the Author Chapter 1: Panama, Supply Chain Security, and the Rise of Globalization Columbus and the Search for Supply Chain Security What, Precisely, Is Supply Chain Security? Panama and the Quest for Supply Chain Security Panama and the Conquest of the Inca Empire Roads Across Panama A Quick Detour: Security and Access The Portobelo Trade Fairs: Globalization and Panama The Railroad Between the Seas Opportunities Not Seen On the Verge of Collapse A Flash of Light Securing the Way for the 49ers The Success of the Railroad Finally Makes the Canal a Reality Chapter 2: The Canal and American Ascendancy The Canal as Auxiliary to American Ascendancy A Prescient View of the Canal in 1914 World War II and the Canal A Step Back: Making the American Century The New Dealers Win the Day Bretton Woods and the American Century The American Offer Another Step Back: World War I and the Energy of American Ascendancy Wilson’s “14 Points”: A Precursor to Bretton Woods An Empire of Oil The Unfolding Shape of American Empire So, What About the Canal? The Apollo Moon Program and the Panama Canal: Offspring From the Same Father Chapter 3: A Success Story: Made in Panama Optimism About Panama Wasn’t Always So High What You Want in a Leader Starting in Trying Times Facing the Resistance The Canal Transfer: An Unequivocal Triumph Expansion Plans Take Root Starts, Fits, and Success Looking Back Chapter 4: The Canal of Panama and the Natural Gas Revolution The Natural Gas Revolution: Unforeseen and Very Welcome American Shale Energy Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) The Rise of US Shale Energy Exports The Canal and American Shale Energy Couldn’t This All Just Be Hype? Chapter 5: Macro-trends Impacting the Future of the Canal and Globalization Looking into the Future A Caveat: The COVID-19 Pandemic Macro-trend: A Plunge in the Human Population Macro-trend: Increasing Government Involvement in Every Aspect of Life Macro-trend: Expanded Government Intervention in the Economy Macro-trend: The Emerging Global Debt Crisis Macro-trend: Nations Are Becoming More Insular Macro-trend: Rising Global Energy Shortages and Higher Prices Macro-trend: A Significant Realignment of US Foreign Policy Macro-trend: Significant Repositioning of Global Supply Chains Macro-trend: The Coming Implosion of China Chapter 6: Managing Growth, Opportunties, and Challenges for the Canal of Panama Strengths of the Canal The Lynchpin of an Integrated Global Transportation Network A Strong Culture of Maintenance A Leading Reputation for Being a Great Place to Work A History of Strong Profitability A Highly Responsive and Effective Management Team A Stable Domestic Political Scene The Canal’s Full Participation in the Shale Energy Revolution Proximity to the United States Weaknesses Facing the Canal Freshwater Usage and Management Poor Supply Chain Infrastructure Quality Outside the Canal Concerns About the Workforce of the Future In Conclusion The Canal Going Forward: The Global View America Already in Retreat Anything Else?