Panamanian Rebel Junta, 1903   Background Guide Description Although oftentimes reduced to a mere economic venture, the opening of the Canal was the causeway that would open the door to a century of United States primacy over Latin America and the wide world of the Atlantic and Pacific seas. In fact, the Canal would serve as the venue by which Cold War tensions would be imported into Latin America, the precedent for U.S. policy in the region would be set, drug trade under Noriega would flourish, and a legacy of Latin American resentment would be exported to neighboring regions. During our re-enactment, however, will the U.S. lose control over the Panamanian revolution that brought the Canal to life or will history repeat itself? If the story of the Canal were re-written, then how would changes in the nature of the Cold War, U.S.-Latin American relations and the drug trade affect the current state of the international community? Staff Chair: Alejandra Aponte Vice-Chair: Alyson Cohen Crisis Director: Adrian Haimovich