Panamanian Politics: The Legacy of Torrijismo and Prospects for Demilitarization
Abstract
This thesis examines Torrijismo's legacy and impact on the Public Force's professionalization and institutionalization in an attempt to ascertain prospects for the successful demilitarization of Panamanian politics. As a result of the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, 21 years of military dominance in Panama ended. The Panamanian military and police institution, the Panamanian Defense Force, was dismantled and replaced with a new organization known as the Public Force. Due to its large complement of former PDF members, the Public Force has been faced by civilian suspicion and mistrust. Public Force attempts at professionalization and institutionalization have been opposed for fear that Panama's armed institution will once again intervene in politics. Dissatisfaction with the civilian government, and the increasing political clout of Torrijismo's political party, the Democratic Revolutionary Party, forebodes a new Torrijista, PRD-Public Force, political alliance. Based on this analysis, the author recommends that the United States delegate its mentor role to politically neutral agencies such as the United Nations or the Organization of American States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246571
Entities
People
- Glenn J. Olarte
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School