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The Legacy Of The Three Presidencies Of Arnulfo Arias Madrid, Sandra Blackman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Arnulfo Arias Madrid colored the history of Panama with his eccentric, jingoistic, and often humorous escapades. His presidencies were brief, but provided a lasting influence on the country's political system.

Arias formed the first really cohesive political party, made up largely of the Panamanian middle class. The party has survived more than four decades, unlike any other political party in that country. It has, however, changed its name with the times. Arias ostensibly based his party on long-term national goals, but once in off ice sought to advance his personal interests and to centralize power. In so doing he deprived. …