“Panama Canal” explores the history and economic significance of the world's most ambitious engineering projects and its profound influence on global trade. The book begins by examining the failed French attempt at construction, highlighting the devastating impact of disease, before detailing the successful American takeover. It emphasizes the canal's role as a strategic chokepoint in the global supply chain and examines how the canal transformed shipping routes, significantly lowering trade costs.
The book unfolds chronologically, beginning with pre-canal trade routes and early proposals for a trans-isthmian passage. It covers the French attempt, the American takeover, and the construction process, before analyzing its economic impact on regions like the United States, Latin America, and Asia.
The book stands out by combining historical narrative with economic analysis and geopolitical insights, offering a multifaceted analysis of the Panama Canal. The book presents archival documents, engineering reports, and economic data to support its claims, allowing readers to understand the dynamics of global trade and the complexities of international relations. It then addresses the transfer of the canal to Panamanian control and its expansion in the 21st century.
Ultimately, this work asserts the Panama Canal is more than just a waterway; it is a symbol of human ingenuity, a driver of global economic integration, and a strategic asset that continues to shape international relations.
