In light of US invasion of Venezuela, Panamanian students offer insight in a South American context.
By Eileen Chen, Nova Linh Tran & Irina Zhang
Since the U.S. launched an invasion in Venezuela in January, South Americans have been observing the development in Venezuela carefully. People in Panama, one of Venezuela’s neighbouring countries, which restored consular services in Venezuela last June, have been closely monitoring the situation.
Daniel Harari, a Panamanian student, closely follows the political shifts in neighboring Venezuela. “I believe that in Venezuela’s case, there was no other way,” Harari shares.
He notes that despite mass protests years ago, the people were unable to unseat the government due to “rigged elections”. Consequently, the involvement of external forces—specifically from the United States—is viewed by many in his circle not as an unwelcome intrusion, but as a vital catalyst for liberation.
“I don’t necessarily watch traditional news channels but listen to the direct lived experiences of my friends.” Harari says he often bypasses mainstream news channels in favor of speaking with people “closer to the action,” as he remains skeptical of the surface-level narratives presented by many media outlets.
These personal connections have shaped a perspective on regional stability that leans toward optimism despite historical complexities. “I’m involved and very aware of everything that’s happening,” Harari shares, noting that his primary information comes from sources he has known his whole life and trusts as reliable.
“I believe what’s happening is a very good thing. I felt happy for my Venezuelan friends, because they were very happy as the old regime is being brought down,” he says, adding that he does not fear further escalation.
Harari views the removal of the previous dictatorship as a gateway to regional prosperity rather than a violation of sovereignty. Many of his friends who fled the violence and corruption of the old regime are now preparing to return. “They’re happy they can return to a country with no violence, no corruption, and business opportunities,” he adds, noting that there is “no suppression at all” felt from the current transition.
This optimism is rooted in the practical benefits of a stable Venezuela for the rest of Central America. Panama’s proximity—just a short flight from Colombia and the South American markets—makes Venezuela a prime location for future investment.
“Hopefully, when Venezuela recovers, it will impact my daily life in a good way. I wish to do business there, as there is a large population, which means a lot of money and opportunities to enter a new market that I couldn’t before because of all the corruption in Venezuela. But now that the corruption is gone, there’s a huge upside of opportunities opening up,” Harari says, eyeing future entrepreneurial ventures.
Alberto Cohen, a Panamanian exchange student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, shares a similar sentiment of happiness and relief for the invasion, “It was about time… it was a long time coming,” describing the capture of Nicolás Maduro after years of dictatorship.
“Venezuelans have been fighting for years for this. It was something they could not imagine happening.”
He describes the U.S. intervention in Venezuela as widely supported among people he knows, arguing that prolonged political repression left few alternatives.
While acknowledging concerns over legality and geopolitical interests, he maintains that many in the region prioritise outcomes over process, especially given what he sees as the failure of international organisations to act.
“It was not the most legal way…but it was the only way,” he says, adding that there was “zero chance” of change without external force.
At the same time, he frames his views through Panama’s own experience of U.S. intervention in 1989. He notes that the invasion left lasting trauma, but argues that it ultimately contributed to the country’s long-term stability and development.
The U.S. intervention of Panama aimed to dethrone Panama’s then ruler, who was wanted by U.S. authorities for drug trafficking. Over 500 Panamanians were killed during the invasion, including 202 civilians.
“In Panama, it was different as there were civilian casualties, and people still talk about that,” he says. “But over time, the country stabilised and rebuilt itself, and I believe the same will happen with Venezuela.”
This comparison shapes his broader perspective on foreign intervention, which he sees as controversial but, in certain contexts, necessary.
Cohen suggests that experiences in Latin America inform a more pragmatic view, even as debates over sovereignty and external influence remain unresolved.
Edited by Pauline Yau
Sub-Edited by Winnie Li
