This is a comprehensive examination of the evolution of the politicization of the Panamanian military and the legacy of this transformation in modern Panamanian politics. It addresses the fundamental role that the Panamanian military played in influencing and molding the modern-day Panamanian political system--structurally, legally, and constitutionally--and chronicles the corporate and political growth of the Panamanian military, filtering its analysis through civil-military theory, to achieve its two primary goals.

Robert Harding II

Chronology of Twentieth-Century Panamanian Politics, 1 Panamanian Military Politics in Comparative Perspective, 2 The Political Growth of the Panamanian Military, and the Role of the United States 3 Praetorianization of the Military, 4 The Militarization of Panamanian Politics, 1968-1976 71, 5 The Legitimization of the Regime: The Creation of the Partido Revolucionario Democrático, 1978-1981 6 The PRD and Panamanian Politics under Noriega: To the Abyss and Back 7 A Decade of Change, Democratic Consolidation, and Uncertainty, 1990-1999 8 The Military Legacy, the Canal, and Democratic Panama.