Frontline Season 9 Episode 21 War and Peace in Panama
- April 9, 1991
In Frontline season 9 episode 21, titled "War and Peace in Panama," viewers are taken on a journey to understand the complex relationships between the United States and Panama, particularly in light of recent events such as the Iran-Contra scandal and the U.S. invasion of Panama.
Through interviews with key players on both sides, the episode explores the history of U.S. involvement in Panama, from the construction of the Panama Canal to the rise of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Viewers see how successive U.S. administrations tried to balance the need for maintaining influence and control in the region with the desire to promote democracy and human rights.
As tensions between the U.S. and Panama continue to escalate, the episode provides a nuanced look at the complex factors at play, including economic interests, geopolitical strategy, and the realities of life for ordinary Panamanians caught in the middle.
Ultimately, "War and Peace in Panama" offers a thorough and insightful exploration of a critical moment in U.S. foreign policy, revealing the complex webs of power and influence that shape global politics.