Panama Court says China-Controlled Ports Unconstitutional: Big Win for US

President Trump is pushing back!

Seeking reset, US Defense Secretary Hegseth affirms Panama’s sovereignty over canal

Good news! Let there be no misunderstanding regarding this critical issue! Pacta sunt servanda!

"Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sought to reassure Panama that the United States recognizes its sovereignty over the national canal, amid President Donald Trump’s repeated pledge that America would reclaim it.

“We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians,” Hegseth said before departing the country back to Washington.

Earlier Wednesday, Hegseth faced questions in a press conference about the two countries’ joint statement following their meetings Tuesday. Panama’s version included a line about its sovereignty over the canal; America’s didn’t, though it discussed working through Panama’s constitution, which affirms authority over the canal itself.

The impasse brought back concern that the U.S. was reneging on its agreement ceding the canal to Panamanian control, finalized in 1999 after a 20-year handover. ..."

Seeking reset, Hegseth affirms Panama’s sovereignty over canal

"Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino looks on as US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth signs a bilateral agreement, in Panama City April 9, 2025. Hegseth arrived in Panama for the regional security summit and to reinforce the Trump administration’s continued interest over the canal. — AFP pic" (Source)

As Trump Makes Panama Canal Demands, This Swiss Billionaire Buys Two Key Ports With BlackRock

Recommendable! Meet one of the richest woman of the world you probably never heard of, i.e. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant!

Trump praises BlackRock for $19 billion Panama Canal investment

Good news! Quite a turnaround for Black Rock!

Hong Kong based CK Hutchison Holdings to sell unit operating near Panama Canal under Trump pressure

President Trump is shaking and moving!

"... A consortium including BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Ltd reached a preliminary deal to acquire units that hold 80 per cent of the Hutchison Ports group, worth about US$20 billion (HK$155 billion), CK Hutchison said in a statement. ..."

CK Hutchison Holdings to sell unit operating near Panama Canal under Trump pressure | South China Morning Post "Decision by Hong Kong-based conglomerate comes as US president pushes for greater control of critical trade route"

Witness Tells Ted Cruz 'Shocking' Actions U.S. Can Take If It Finds Panama Has Violated Canal Treaty

Very recommendable!

Marco Rubio’s first trip as secretary of state to Panama and other Latin American countries

Good news!

Marco Rubio Says Terms Of Panama Canal Handover May Have Been Violated by China

Very recommendable! Rubio explains it quite well!

The $270 Billion Race to Replace the Panama Canal

Recommendable!

Mexico’s $7.5B Gamble to Disrupt the Panama Canal | WSJ Breaking Ground

Good news! Competition is good, more competition is better! 

What is the Isthmus of Tehuantepec good for?

Why don't they build a second canal? Would it cost more?

Martial Consequences Of The American Civil War

Posted: 2/19/2014 Updated: 2/18/2015

Prologue

I usually do not like to entertain speculation about the course history would have taken, but I will make an exception here.

The American Civil War fought under president Abraham Lincoln were a watershed event in U.S. history in many respects.

Brush With Imperialism

In the late 19th century one could argue that the U.S. engaged in expansionism or imperialism (I do not like latter, ideological, loaded term very much) when it was involved in the Spanish American War of 1898 (Cuba, Theodore Roosevelt); Philippine-American War (1899–1902).

At a speech in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go far", which was a cornerstone of diplomacy during his presidency (source).

The Rebuilding of the Navy 1882-1898.

The push for the Panama Canal in 1903-04. The story behind the Panama Canal is worth a separate blog post.

The Great White Fleet event of 1907.

Entering World War I

I would argue it was not necessary for the U.S. to enter into World War I as they did. It would probably have sufficed to remain on the side lines and to provide weapons and money to allies. This was a war between roughly equal European powers.

What Is The Point?

In short: The unnecessary American Civil War was a consequential turning point in many respects.

Had the U.S. not previously engaged in a all out devastating Civil War where perhaps as many as 1 million people died, the U.S. would not have been battle hardened and less sensitive to death anymore  to engage like other European powers in all kinds of wars for no good reason.

Previous, Related Blog Posts

Here with references to other, previous blogs.