Michael Conniff and Gene Bigler’s new book, Modern Panama: From Occupation to Crossroads of the Americas, documents the economic and global business success this small Central American country has had in managing the Panama Canal since it took over in 2000. A vigorous democracy, increasingly open economy, respect for technology and commitment to international cooperation has already supported expansion of the canal and creation of a new logistics hub for the hemisphere. As new leaders of the country and the Canal Authority began their work in 2019, they are confronting serious new challenges from climate change, international market uncertainties, stagnating and uneven national growth, corruption and political fragmentation.