The Panama Canal, an artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was a significant point of contention between the US and Panama. Under President Carter, the US pursued treaties related to its control and operations.

• Political Precedents
  • Example: President Johnson initiated treaty discussions after anti-US protests in Panama (1964).
  • Nixon and Panama signed a "Joint Framework of Principles" in 1974.
  • The Linowitz Report suggested a treaty revision to Carter.
• US Image
  • Carter didn't label previous arrangements as 'colonial', but believed many saw it that way.
  • Real-world example: Imagine someone wearing an old, outdated fashion— that's how the US looked to others in Latin America.
• US-Latin American Relations
  • Carter believed the treaties would foster cooperation, not confrontation.
  • Example: Think of a neighborly dispute over a tree. Solving it amicably can prevent further problems!
• Defence
  • The real threat? Panamanian resentment.
  • Even by the 1950s, the canal couldn't accommodate larger US warships.
  • Real-world example: It's like a two-lane road unable to handle modern, wide trucks.
• Domestic Support
  • Major businesses supported the treaties.
  • However, there was a fear the treaties favored Wall Street.