The Panama Canal,Trump,and the Crisis of Civilization: A Reflection on Power,Democracy,and Historical Amnesia
When President-elect Donald Trump suggested that the United States should reclaim control of the Panama Canal, it was met with widespread skepticism and criticism. Fernando Cajas, in a scathing critique, likened Trump’s statements to those of someone “living in a medical hospital-mind,” a person with a “total historical disability” who cannot even locate Greenland on a map. This,Cajas argues,is emblematic of a broader crisis of leadership and values that plagues not just the United States but the world at large.
Trump’s assertions about the Panama Canal are not new. They echo a long history of his controversial dealings with Panama, including his involvement in a high-profile hotel battle and allegations of money laundering. These actions, Cajas suggests, reveal a pattern of behavior rooted in a “Ptolemaic universe” were Trump sees himself as the center of all things, driven by an inflated sense of self-worth and a disregard for historical and geopolitical realities.
But Trump is not alone in this. Cajas draws parallels between Trump and figures like Alejandro Giammattei, the former president of Guatemala, who allegedly used the COVID-19 pandemic as a “robbery strategy of the century.” Both leaders, cajas argues, are “compulsive manipulators” who thrive on power and control, exploiting systems of governance for personal gain. They represent a broader trend of leaders who “ignore the checks and balances of democratic systems,” forcing societies to rethink the very foundations of democracy.
In Guatemala, the United Nations International Commission against Impunity (CICIG) uncovered criminal structures embedded within the state, implicating former presidents Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera. These leaders, Cajas notes, where not the rational, honest figures one hopes for in a democracy but rather individuals driven by unchecked egos and a disregard for the rule of law. Yet, Cajas finds hope in the current leadership, which he describes as “honest and capable people” fighting against a co-opted society.
The crisis of leadership is not confined to Guatemala or the United States. It is a global phenomenon, a “crisis of civilization” marked by a loss of values and a rise in authoritarianism. The fact that Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Cajas argues, is a stark reminder of the direction the world is heading. To counter this,he calls for a renewed focus on historical reconstruction and critical thinking,emphasizing the importance of understanding the histories of regions like Panama, Greenland, and even smaller communities like Ceibal and San Andrés Xecul.
“We are more than residents,” cajas writes. “We are much more than passengers on a spaceship.” This sentiment underscores the need for a collective effort to move from authoritarianism to democracy, from lies to truth, and from hate to love. The path is long, but as cajas concludes, “If not now, it will never be.”
| Key Points | Summary |
|—————–|————-|
| Trump’s Panama Canal Claims | Criticized as historically inaccurate and self-serving. |
| Global Leadership Crisis | Leaders like Trump and Giammattei exploit power for personal gain. |
| Guatemala’s Struggle | CICIG uncovered corruption tied to former presidents Arévalo and Herrera.|
| Call to Action | Strengthen democracy thru historical awareness and critical thinking. |
The world stands at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the future of democracy. As Cajas reminds us, the journey from authoritarianism to freedom is not easy, but it is indeed necessary. Let us not wait for tomorrow to begin.
The Panama Canal,Trump,and the Global Crisis of Leadership: A Conversation with Dr. Elena Morales
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In this exclusive interview, dr. Elena Morales, a renowned political historian and expert on Latin American geopolitics, joins Senior Editor John Carter of World-Today-News to discuss the implications of Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about the Panama Canal, the broader crisis of leadership in democracies worldwide, and the urgent need for historical awareness and critical thinking in shaping a better future.
Trump’s Panama Canal Claims: A Historical Outlook
John Carter: Dr. Morales,Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. should reclaim control of the Panama Canal has been widely criticized. What’s your take on his statements, and how do they reflect on his understanding of history?
Dr.Elena Morales: Trump’s remarks are not just historically inaccurate; they’re emblematic of a deeper issue. The Panama Canal was handed over to panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-carter Treaties,a move that symbolized a shift toward respecting national sovereignty.Trump’s suggestion to reclaim it ignores this history and reflects a self-serving worldview where he sees himself as the center of all things. It’s a dangerous mindset that disregards the complexities of international relations.
The Global Crisis of Leadership: From Trump to Giammattei
John Carter: Fernando cajas, in his critique, draws parallels between Trump and figures like Alejandro Giammattei, the former president of Guatemala. Do you see similarities in their leadership styles?
Dr. elena Morales: absolutely. Both Trump and Giammattei are examples of leaders who exploit systems of governance for personal gain. Giammattei allegedly used the COVID-19 pandemic as a “robbery strategy of the century,” while Trump’s dealings in Panama, including his hotel battles and money laundering allegations, reveal a pattern of behavior rooted in unchecked ego and a disregard for the rule of law. These leaders thrive on power and control,undermining democratic institutions in the process.
Guatemala’s Struggle Against Corruption
John Carter: Speaking of Guatemala, the UN’s International Commission against Impunity (CICIG) uncovered meaningful corruption tied to former presidents Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera. How does this fit into the broader narrative of leadership crises?
Dr. Elena Morales: Guatemala’s case is especially troubling because it shows how deeply embedded corruption can become within a state. Arévalo and Herrera were not the rational, honest figures one hopes for in a democracy. Rather, they were driven by unchecked egos and a disregard for the rule of law. However, there’s hope in the current leadership, which is fighting against these co-opted systems. It’s a reminder that the struggle for democracy is ongoing and requires constant vigilance.
A Call to Action: Rebuilding democracy Through Historical Awareness
John Carter: Cajas calls for a renewed focus on historical reconstruction and critical thinking.How can societies move toward this goal, especially in the face of rising authoritarianism?
dr. Elena Morales: It starts with education and awareness. We need to understand the histories of regions like Panama, Greenland, and even smaller communities like Ceibal and San Andrés Xecul. These stories remind us that we are more than just residents or passengers on a spaceship—we are active participants in shaping our future. By fostering critical thinking and historical awareness, we can counter the rise of authoritarianism and rebuild democratic systems that prioritize truth, justice, and collective well-being.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Democracy
John Carter: Dr. Morales, what gives you hope in these challenging times?
Dr. Elena Morales: Despite the challenges, I see hope in the resilience of communities and the growing awareness of the need for change. The fact that people are questioning leaders like Trump and Giammattei, and demanding accountability, is a positive sign. As Cajas said, “If not now, it will never be.” The journey from authoritarianism to freedom is long, but it’s a journey we must undertake together.
