Panama security gains will be challenging to maintain

Subject

Despite being situated in one of the world's most notorious drug trafficking regions, Panama enjoys comparative peace and security.

Significance

Panama is emerging as an outlier in Central America, with homicide rates falling as a result of novel approaches to dealing with gang violence and drug trafficking. This raises questions about whether the country offers lessons that could be applied elsewhere in the region.

Impacts

• Panama will remain at the forefront of international security cooperation.
• Corruption and public pressure for a tough approach could undermine security gains in Panama.
• There is little prospect of other Central American countries being able to replicate Panama's security strategy.