The Panama Canal

Professor Sarah Moore from the University of Arizona discusses the complex role of water, focusing on the Panama Canal as both a public display of power and a tool for imperialistic influence. The conversation explores how the United States’ “masculinistic” mindset shaped the canal’s construction, reflecting on a broader history of gaining control over foreign territories. This imperialistic mindset not only impacts the local communities but also has lasting environmental consequences.

The Panama Canal serves as a striking example of water’s dual nature: it is both a tool for political dominance and one of the most vulnerable aspects of nature. While it can be exploited and polluted, water also retains a true beauty, seeming to be untouched. This paradox highlights the complex relationship between humans and water, which is not only a resource but also a symbol of larger geopolitical and environmental forces.

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