The master's thesis is divided into three research questions. The method of a comparative case study was applied for the first two research questions. Methodology for a single case study was used for the third research question. Additionally, conceptualization, operationalization, and a brief historical description precede the main research question. The first question focused on comparing the characteristics of the Torrijos and Noriega authoritarian regimes. The second research question analyzed the diplomatic relations of the regimes with the United States. The third research question focused on techniques mentioned in the literature specializing in small states. I tried to find mentions of such techniques during the negotiations about the future of the Panama Canal during the Torrijos era. In relation to the first question, significant differences between the characteristics of the regimes were witnessed. Those were further discovered for the second research question as well. The Torrijos regime had good, intensive diplomatic relations with the United States for the majority of its existence. The Panama Canal Treaties are a testament to the fact. Although Noriega's regime had relatively normal diplomatic relations with the US until 1986. The diplomatic relations deteriorated in a dramatic...

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