The impact of identity on foreign policy, a case study of Panama

Abstract (English)

The purpose of this paper will be to present how different identities influence Panama's foreign policy. The thesis of this presentation will be that although identity has a strong influence on the formation of specific foreign policies, pragmatism is often more important in particular when it comes to Panamanian-Chinese and Panamanian-American relations. The author will present and analyze the impact of the following identities on Panama's foreign policy: anti-colombianism, anti-Americanism, and pro-Taiwan vs. pro-China orientation. The study will be maintained in the regime of constructivist theory in international relations, which emphasizes issues of ideas and identity. The author will use the following methods: case study, document analysis, in-depth interviews and observation method.