The people and the waterway at the center of the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal has sat at the center of global trade for more than a century, connecting two oceans. The things Americans use every day pass through here, from gas to food. And now, this spot is also at the center of President Trump’s global expansionist agenda.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has just wrapped up a trip to Panama where he told the President that if China’s influence over the canal isn’t curbed the United States will take measures to protect its rights.

Trump’s threat to take back the Panama Canal has the potential to reshuffle global politics. We’re meet the people and the 51-mile waterway in the middle of it all.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org

Email us at considerthis@npr.org

(Image credit: MARK SCHIEFELBEIN)