ABSTRACT
The origins of Costa Rican civilism, which has been qualitatively more important and enduring than in any other Central American, or even Latin American, republic, are normally held to lie in the even distribution of land inside the republic. The distinctiveness of Panama within the Central American system lies in the manner by which the National Guard has exercised its influence in political affairs. The key factor in this regard is, of course, the Canal Zone and its large contingent of US troops, which have resulted in the development of the Panamanian nation and state being distorted and exceptional by any standards in 1932 and in Guatemala in 1954. Panama provides an interesting contrast to this general picture. It is all the more striking because Panama itself, and not just the Panamanian National Guard, owes its very existence to US policy. Civilians who appeared to provide an electoral alternative have instead been subject to routine assassination.
