The Remonato, a Hybrid State
The Remonato, a Hybrid State
1947–1955
Following the massive popular mobilization that prevented the signing of the Filós–Hines Treaty in 1947, Panama seemed to be maturing into a stable democracy. Instead, it entered its most severe social and political crisis. The chapter looks at Panamanian society of the postwar era, focusing on the social groups contending for power in it—the police, the students and the oligarchy. It argues that between the military and civilian societies of the Canal Zone and the Panamanian cities bordering it, various legal, social and cultural codes clashed, creating a “hybrid” experience for people living in Panama City and Colón. No movement or political party was able to effectively channel the dissatisfaction that Panamanians felt, leaving the country in a permanent state of crisis. This crisis allowed Police Chief José Antonio Remón, using a combination of populist overtures, manipulation and repression, to take control of the state apparatus. For three years (1952-55), his regime seemed to resolve the country’s immediate problems, stabilize its bureaucracy, and achieve its modest economic and diplomatic goals.
Keywords: Jose Antonio Remon, Cecilia Pinel de Remon, Filos Hines Treaty, Panamanian National Guard, Arnulfo Arias Madrid, Eisenhower Remon Treaty, Canal Zone, hybridity
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