On the 23rd, the Panamanian government forcibly took over two ports in Panama owned by Hutchison Whampoa. CK Hutchison Holdings has initiated international arbitration, seeking $2 billion in compensation. Panamanian President Martinelli claims the takeover is a 'temporary measure,' promising a subsequent public tender and compensation. It seems that no matter how much they protest, the most likely outcome is Hutchison walking away with a payout. Although on the surface this appears to be an action by the Panamanian government, it's highly likely that the U.S. is pulling the strings behind the scenes. The geopolitical game is increasingly becoming a dark jungle of survival of the fittest: the rules-based international order is gradually giving way to a power-based international order.