Identify the role that the Panama Canal has played in world politics since 1945.(1 point)

Answer 1

Since 1945, the Panama Canal has played a significant role in world politics primarily as a strategic waterway that enhances global trade and military mobility. Control of the canal became a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly during the Cold War, as it served as a key transit route for naval and commercial shipping between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The U.S. maintained control over the canal until the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, which transferred control to Panama in 1999. This transition highlighted issues of sovereignty and self-determination, influencing U.S.-Latin American relations and impacting regional stability. The canal's significance continues today as it remains a vital economic asset, with ongoing discussions about its expansion and modernization influencing international trade dynamics and global shipping routes.