Economic Sanctions against the Republic of Panama
Abstract
Economic sanctions are one of the tools of diplomacy and are used to persuade another government to change its behavior or policy. In the vast majority of cases economic sanctions are not an effective means of persuasion. There are notable exceptions, but they are the most predictable because of the special conditions under which they have been used. In the case of US economic sanctions against Panama from 1987 - 1989, the outcome was predictable. The fragile and failing economy of Panama would be devastated. The sanctions were ineffective against the real target -- the de facto ruler of the country, General Manuel Antonio Noriega and the Panamanian Defense Forces. He had risen to power through a long and calculated career of corruption, deceit and betrayal of his fellow officers and his countrymen. His enormous wealth was the result of graft, drug trafficking, and other illicit means. His empire affected every facet of Panamanian life through either the military regime or the government- sponsored political party, both of which he totally controlled. In June, 1987, formal accusations of wrongdoing were leveled against him by his recently retired military deputy. As the people demonstrated against his regime, his rule grew more oppressive. Finally, after his sponsored candidate lost the May 1989 elections, which he subsequently annulled, the US imposed harsher economic sanctions. The overall goal was the removal of Noriega and the establishment of democratic rule for Panama. The sanctions were doomed to failure from the beginning. Other means were eventually necessary to remove Noriega. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA219913
Entities
People
- Kay B. Witt
Organizations
- United States Army War College