Publications
The Isthmus in “Decline,” 1739–1848
The late colonial period (1739–1848) marked the decline of the transisthmian treasure route, signaling the end of Spanish control over the Isthmus of Panamá and transitioning into a postcolonial era. This study reveals how economic, political, and logistical shifts during this time disrupted the region's maritime landscape, contributing to the collapse of its colonial significance. By analyzing historical records and archival sources, researchers traced the decline of the route's strategic importance, highlighting key factors such as changing global trade dynamics, political instability, and environmental challenges.
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.
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