On February 26, former Ambassador Edward O’Donnell addressed a capacity crowd at the Illini Country Club, discussing Panama’s political landscape, tariffs, and their potential impact on U.S. diplomatic relations. O’Donnell emphasized the risks of leveraging transactional foreign policies and highlighted the Panama Canal’s historical significance. The discourse also covered human rights advancements under President Carter and the evolving roles of women in Latin American politics.
On February 26, a full house at the Illini Country Club engaged in discussions about Panama and tariffs during a session organized by the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois, featuring former Ambassador Edward O’Donnell. Attendees enjoyed a meal of Panamanian cuisine before delving into current geopolitical issues, including a water shortage impacting the Panama Canal.
A notable exchange occurred when Larry Golden of Springfield asked O’Donnell about the effectiveness of a transactional foreign policy, exemplified by President Trump’s approach with Ukraine. O’Donnell acknowledged potential short-term benefits but warned of long-term ramifications for alliances, stating there could be future crises where traditional allies’ support is crucial.
Professor Adriana Piatti-Crocker raised concerns that tariffs could strain diplomatic ties in Latin America, to which O’Donnell responded affirmatively. He highlighted that actual tariffs could lead to adverse effects, including increased living costs for Americans and the risk of retaliatory measures from other nations.
Piatti-Crocker reiterated her concerns post-event, emphasizing that tariffs contradict decades of U.S. free trade policy and might be perceived as political isolationism by other countries, potentially enhancing China’s influence in the region.
O’Donnell shared insights from his extensive diplomatic career, particularly his two postings in Panama and his work in other regions. Kathy Johnson, former foreign service officer and WACCI board member, introduced him, reflecting on her own career in diplomacy.
The presentation detailed the history of the Panama Canal, emphasizing its significance to Panamanians. O’Donnell cited President Theodore Roosevelt’s pivotal role in its construction and President Jimmy Carter’s crucial negotiations that led to Panama gaining control over the canal in 1999, reinforcing national pride associated with it.
O’Donnell lauded Carter as a champion of human rights in Latin America during the Cold War, contrasting with previous U.S. support for dictatorships. Although Carter served only four years, Piatti-Crocker noted that his policies on human rights reduced support for oppressive regimes in the region.
Piatti-Crocker also brought attention to the significant advancements of women in Latin American politics, pointing to the election of female leaders in multiple countries as a reflection of changing gender roles and cultural dynamics in the region.
WACCI, the organizing body of the event, aims to enhance public understanding of foreign policy and international relations through expert-led discussions, confirming the organization’s commitment to providing free access to important global issues for the community.
The discussion led by former Ambassador Edward O’Donnell highlighted critical aspects of U.S.-Panama relations and the implications of current foreign policy strategies, particularly regarding tariffs and alliances. It underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties and the potential consequences of adopting a transactional approach to international relations. Additionally, the event touched on the historical significance of the Panama Canal and the evolving political landscape for women in Latin America, reminding attendees of the interconnectedness of these issues within the context of global diplomacy.
Original Source: www.illinoistimes.com
