The USA vs. Panama: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Rivalry

Historical Context

The rivalry between the United States and Panama has its roots in the early 20th century, when the United States was constructing the Panama Canal. The construction of the Canal required the cooperation of Panama, which at the time was a province of Colombia. However, tensions arose between the two countries over the terms of the agreement, leading to Panama's declaration of independence from Colombia in 1903.

The United States played a significant role in Panama's independence, and the two countries signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in 1903, which granted the United States perpetual control over the Canal Zone. This treaty created a strong bond between the two countries, but it also laid the foundation for future tensions.

Rivalry in Sports

One of the most visible aspects of the USA vs. Panama rivalry is in the realm of sports. The two countries have competed against each other in a variety of sports, including:

Soccer (Football)

• The USA and Panama are members of the CONCACAF confederation, and they have faced off in numerous international tournaments.
• The most famous of these is the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, which the United States won 1-0.

Baseball

• The United States and Panama have faced off in international baseball tournaments such as the World Baseball Classic.
• In the 2009 World Baseball Classic, the United States defeated Panama 6-1.

Basketball

• The United States and Panama have competed in the FIBA Americas Championship.
• In the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, the United States defeated Panama 93-71.

Tensions over the Canal Zone

Another source of tension between the United States and Panama has been the issue of the Canal Zone. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty granted the United States control over the Canal Zone, but it also included a provision that the United States would eventually return the Zone to Panama.

In 1977, the United States and Panama signed the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which transferred control of the Canal Zone to Panama by the end of the 20th century. However, tensions over the Zone continued, and it was not until 1999 that the Zone was finally returned to Panama.

Relations in the 21st Century

Since the return of the Canal Zone to Panama, relations between the United States and Panama have improved significantly. The two countries have cooperated on a variety of issues, including:

• Counter-narcotics efforts
• Counter-terrorism efforts
• Economic development
• Trade

The United States and Panama are also members of several regional organizations, such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

Future Prospects

The future prospects for the USA-Panama rivalry are uncertain. The two countries have a history of cooperation and conflict, and it is difficult to predict how their relationship will evolve in the coming years. However, there is no doubt that the rivalry will continue to play a significant role in the dynamics of the region.

Table 1: Key Figures in the USA-Panama Rivalry

Table 2: Key Events in the USA-Panama Rivalry

Table 3: Trade between the USA and Panama

Stories from the Rivalry

Story 1: The 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final

The 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup final was a tense and exciting match between the United States and Panama. The United States won the match 1-0, but Panama gave them a run for their money. The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd in Chicago, and it was a great example of the intensity of the rivalry between the two countries.

What We Can Learn:

• The USA-Panama rivalry is one of the most intense in international soccer.
• The two countries are always evenly matched, and each match is a battle.
• The rivalry is not just about soccer; it is also about national pride.

Story 2: The Return of the Canal Zone

The return of the Canal Zone to Panama in 1999 was a major milestone in the history of the USA-Panama rivalry. The Zone had been under U.S. control for almost a century, and its return to Panama was a symbol of the end of the United States' colonial presence in Latin America.

What We Can Learn:

• The return of the Canal Zone was a major victory for Panama and a step forward in the US-Panama relations.
• The rivalry between the two countries is not just about the Canal Zone; it is also about the broader issue of U.S. imperialism.
• The rivalry is likely to continue, but it will evolve as the two countries continue to move forward.

Story 3: The Counter-narcotics Cooperation

The United States and Panama have cooperated on counter-narcotics efforts for many years. Panama is a major transit point for drugs from South America to the United States, and the two countries have worked together to stop the flow of drugs.

What We Can Learn:

• The USA-Panama rivalry does not prevent the two countries from cooperating on important issues.
• The rivalry is not just about conflict; it is also about cooperation.
• The two countries have a shared interest in stopping the flow of drugs.

Step-by-Step Approach to Understanding the USA-Panama Rivalry

1. Learn about the historical context of the rivalry.
2. Understand the key events in the rivalry.
3. Read stories about the rivalry.
4. Consider the broader implications of the rivalry.
5. Draw your own conclusions about the rivalry.

FAQs

1. What is the origin of the USA-Panama rivalry?

The rivalry has its roots in the early 20th century, when the United States was constructing the Panama Canal.

2. What are the key events in the rivalry?

Some of the key events in the rivalry include:

• Panama's declaration of independence from Colombia in 1903
• The United States' signing of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama in 1903
• The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914
• The United States' and Panama's signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977
• The return of the Canal Zone to Panama in 1999

3. What are the current issues in the rivalry?

The current issues in the rivalry include:

• The trade balance between the two countries
• The United States' military presence in Panama
• The drug trade

4. What is the future of the rivalry?

The future of the rivalry is uncertain. The two countries have a history of cooperation and conflict, and it is difficult to predict how their relationship will evolve in the coming years.

5. What are some of the stories from the rivalry?

Some of the stories from the rivalry include:

• The 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup final
• The return of the Canal Zone to Panama in 1999
• The counter-narcotics cooperation between the two countries

6. What are some of the key figures in the rivalry?

Some of the key figures in the rivalry include:

• Theodore Roosevelt
• Manuel Amador Guerrero
• John Hay
• Philippe Bunau-Varilla
• Omar Torrijos
• Jimmy Carter

7. What are some of the key sources for learning more about the rivalry?

Some of the key sources for learning more about the rivalry include:

• The Library of Congress
• The National Archives and Records Administration
• The Smithsonian Institution
• The University of Panama
• The University of California, Berkeley

8. How can I learn more about the rivalry?

There are several ways you can learn more about the rivalry:

• Read books and articles about the rivalry
• Watch documentaries about