The Panama Canal and the Resurgence of Great Power Competition

This article examines the current US rhetoric regarding the Panama Canal through the lenses of Structural Realism and Classical Realism, analyzing the resurgence of great power competition between the United States and China. Employing a comparative analysis with the Cuban Missile Crisis, the study investigates how the Canal reflects the dynamics of power and security in the international system. The objectives are to demonstrate the applicability of Structural Realism in understanding contemporary geopolitical challenges, analyze the Panama Canal as a microcosm of US-China competition, and warn of potential escalation while acknowledging mitigating factors. The analysis concludes that while a significant crisis is unlikely, the Panama Canal exemplifies the ongoing struggle for power and influence in the 21st century, underscoring the need for careful diplomacy and effective crisis management.