I wonder how essential the Panama canal actually is. If the Panamanian government decided to play rough and use it as a threat, there are several alternatives f

I wonder how essential the Panama canal actually is. If the Panamanian government decided to play rough and use it as a threat, there are several alternatives for global shipping. Some could use the Suez canal instead with only a minor increase in shipping time. Others could use rail, and the worst affected could still go through the Magellan straight.