Description
The Federal State of Panama
Book Summary
In The Federal State of Panama, Justo Arosemena offers a foundational analysis of Panamanian identity and sovereignty. The reader will find a historical and political essay that outlines the cultural and strategic background of the nation, as well as the ideological foundations for a federal model of governance. This work, which had a decisive influence on the history of the isthmus, is an essential read for understanding the political thought that drove Panama's pursuit of autonomy in the 19th century, presenting a lucid vision of its economy, its geopolitical value, and its place within the Latin American context.
What is it about?
In this work, Justo Arosemena develops a solid argument for the necessity of a Federal State for Panama, which was part of New Granada at the time. The book is structured around several fundamental themes:
- It analyzes the historical and cultural precedents that shape Panamanian nationality, drawing on examples from classical antiquity to support his thesis.
- It examines the strategic and economic value of the isthmus, highlighting its geopolitical position on the American continent during the second half of the 19th century.
- It proposes a federal governance model to reorganize the relationship with New Granada, establishing the ideological foundations for the exercise of Panamanian sovereignty.
- It reflects Arosemena’s integrationist thought, evidenced by his participation in the 1865 Treaty of Union and Defensive Alliance between the States of America.
Main Themes
- Formation of Panamanian identity and nationality.
- Federal state model and governance on the isthmus.
- Political and administrative relations between Panama and New Granada.
- Strategic, economic, and geopolitical value of Panama in the 19th century.
- Latin American integrationist thought.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is intended for students and researchers of Latin American political history, specialists in constitutional law and federalism, and readers interested in the processes of nation-state formation and the evolution of pro-independence thought in the region. It will also be of great value to those seeking to understand the intellectual roots of Panamanian sovereignty.
What this book offers
- A deep understanding of the historical and ideological foundations of Panamanian nationality.
- The analysis of a federal governance model applied to a specific 19th-century geopolitical context.
- A perspective on the strategic value of Panama and its role in Latin American integration.
- Access to a classic work that directly influenced the political development of the isthmus.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Arosemena, Justo
- Publisher: Linkgua Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Classic texts
- Collection: Laws
- Binding: Paperback
- Edition Date: May 2025
- Number of pages: 126
- Weight: 170 g
Editorial Review
The Federal State of Panama is an essential title within the collection of classics of Latin American political thought. Justo Arosemena’s work stands out for its clarity of argument and its historical relevance, as it laid the ideological foundations for a sovereignty project. This paperback edition from Linkgua Ediciones facilitates access to a text that, more than a century later, remains a reference for understanding the processes of national formation and federalism in the region. It is a fundamental read for anyone interested in the political history of Panama and Latin America.