The Panama Canal in History, Policy and Literature

For over a century and a half, the Panama Canal has captured the imagination of Western writers, historians, and policymakers. This session will focus on historical, political, and literary milestones involving the Panama Canal starting in the late 19th Century and up until today. 

Harvard University (FAS) Lecturer Dr. Dennis Hogan and M-RCBG Senior Fellow David Mizrachi will discuss French, Colombian, Panamanian and American viewpoints, starting with the Panama Canal Railroad Company, the failed French Canal venture, the US-built Panama Canal and the Canal Zone, the reversion to Panama in 1999 and the current US-Panama relations centered around the present and future of the Canal’s operations. The session will examine policymaker perspectives as well as those of workers, merchants, and ordinary citizens throughout the Canal’s history.