Building Under Political Shifts: The Impact of Panama’s 2019 GovernmentTransition on China-Led Infrastructure Projects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69895/8ag0ba35Keywords:
infrastructure projects, diplomatic relations, foreign policy, public financingAbstract
This paper investigates the impact of Panama's 2019 government transition on China-led infrastructure projects, focusing on the evolving political dynamics and their direct influence on public tenders and project execution. Using the Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), it builds a theoretical framework that traces the entry of China-based enterprises into Panama’s construction sector and examines their involvement in four significant infrastructure projects: the Amador Convention Center, Amador Cruise Terminal, Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal, and the Panama-Chiriqui Train. Through these case studies, the paper highlights how shifting political leadership affected timelines, project designs, and funding mechanisms, delaying the delivery of intended benefits to local communities. This analysis shows that these delays were driven more by shifting domestic political priorities and external geopolitical influences, than by any predatory practices from China-based companies. Lastly, strategic recommendations are provided to navigate future political transitions and ensure the continuity of infrastructure development.
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