Editing Openai/695944a4-2764-800b-bcab-639d8dd4a4e9 (section)

==== ⚠️ 5. Ongoing Challenges ====

Corruption & Governance
* Panama still struggles with perceptions and instances of corruption, and public demand for transparency continues to be a domestic issue.lacommunis.org<ref>{{cite web|title=lacommunis.org|url=https://www.lacommunis.org/en/the-challenges-facing-panamanian-democracy-in-the-era-of-trumpist-pressures/|publisher=lacommunis.org|access-date=2026-01-04}}</ref>

Economy’s Structure
* Heavy reliance on the canal, services, and logistics makes Panama’s economy somewhat concentrated; debates over natural resource projects (like contentious mining projects) underscore tensions between growth, environmental protection, and equitable benefit.AP News<ref>{{cite web|title=AP News|url=https://apnews.com/article/d418ca75212ce706d9e116ba0571fad9|publisher=AP News|access-date=2026-01-04}}</ref>

Geopolitical Balancing
* Panama’s strategic position means it navigates complex geopolitical relationships, including with the U.S. and China, especially around canal influence and trade.The Times<ref>{{cite web|title=The Times|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nw26panama-89mwrpn57|publisher=The Times|access-date=2026-01-04}}</ref>