Panama (The Era of Relative Peace)

The Republic of Panama is country located on an isthmus connecting North America to South America. It is bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to east and shares coastlines with the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. Panama plays a strategic role in global trade due to the presence of the Panama Canal, which permits ships to enter from the Pacific to the Atlantic vice versa.

World War III
Panama played a significant role in World War III by supporting allied ships in their rights of passage in the Panama Canal and barring entry from ships from the communist countries. The Panama Canal Zone, home to many U.S. military installations, was secured jointly by the U.S. Army and the Panamanian Defense Forces. In November 1989, when Cuba entered the war, an additional 1,500 U.S. troops were deployed to defend the canal from any communist insurgents.

In certain occasion, some cargo ships were boarded by U.S./Panamanian forces after it was discovered to contain weapons, explosives, and anti-tank launchers destined for FARC rebels in Colombia. Upon investigation, it originated from Cuba. A North Korean freighter was also towed after discovering the ship was loaded with weapons and 50 military advisors on its way to Cuba.