3810 - Between Two Oceans: The History and Future of the Panama Canal (Jeff Milsteen)
Course Description
Instructor: Jeff Milsteen
In its day, the Panama Canal was the most ambitious and expensive public works project ever undertaken. Thousands died in the effort to create a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a shortcut that has shaped global trade, naval strategy, and economic relationships between nations for over 100 years. In this class, we’ll explore the fascinating history of the Panama Canal and how its creation led to engineering and public health discoveries that continue to benefit us to this day. In addition, we’ll consider the many challenges currently facing the canal, from the impact of climate change to other countries’ desires to build competing canals to President Trump’s announced intent to “take it back.” Finally, Jeff will share photographs of his own recent experience transiting the historic Gatun Locks.
Bio: Jeff is an attorney who served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Georgia for nineteen years before his retirement in 2017. He also served as Vice President and General Counsel of Kennesaw State University in 2018-19. Jeff graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University and received his law degree from the Emory University School of Law, where he served as Managing Editor of the Emory Law Journal. Jeff is an avid photography enthusiast and enjoys world travel.