The World United, Panama Divided

Panama's transit zone, despite being the 'crossroads of the world,' faces significant inefficiencies due to the interplay between global and regional transportation networks. The study reveals that while the Panama Canal dominates interoceanic water transport, national road infrastructure, such as the Transístmica (transisthmian highway), has been constrained by geopolitical factors, particularly U.S. restrictions during the 20th century. This highway, opened during World War II, remains the only interoceanic land route across Panama, highlighting how networked infrastructures are shaped by historical and political forces. The research juxtaposes global flow with regional friction, illustrating how these dynamics impact daily life in Panama's transit zone.

Carse, A. (2014). The World United, Panama Divided. Beyond the Big Ditch, 167–184. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9780262028110.003.0010