When political winds shifted in Guatemala, Dexis adapted fast — protecting progress, people, and U.S. government priorities.
Political change often brings disruption, but in fragile environments, it can unravel years of reform in a matter of weeks. In Guatemala, where corruption undermines public trust and weakens institutions, the ability to adapt is essential for anyone working to support justice and accountability.
Dexis learned this firsthand.
In 2021, the political landscape in Guatemala shifted dramatically. A newly elected administration began dismantling anti-corruption initiatives, removing key officials, and deprioritizing transparency. This created a hostile environment for reform and placed U.S. government-backed programming at serious risk.
Faced with these conditions, Dexis didn’t retreat. It pivoted.
Operating in Flux
The team immediately launched a proactive monitoring effort, tracking political developments, analyzing social media, and scenario-planning for outcomes ranging from cabinet changes to diplomatic fallout. This real-time intelligence, powered by local staff with deep political insight, helped Dexis stay ahead of events rather than react to them.
At the same time, Dexis identified new partners within the Guatemalan system — agencies and individuals still committed to rule of law. Working with institutions like the Secretariat for Sexual Violence and the Guatemalan Migration Institute, Dexis found alternative channels to continue advancing anti-corruption goals under new political constraints.
Security remained a top priority. Dexis updated safety protocols, reduced public visibility, and maintained close internal communication to protect staff and civil society collaborators. These steps enabled the team to remain active without placing individuals at unnecessary risk.
A member of the postulation commission reviews a candidate’s file for the upcoming Supreme Court elections in Guatemala City on September 12, 2024, as Congress prepares to select new magistrates and judges for the 2024-2029 term. In 2024, the new administration marked a shift toward open governance and anti-corruption, opening new opportunities for Dexis and positioning the Justice Project as a key government partner. Photo: Johan Ordonez/AFP.
Preserving Progress Under Pressure
Despite the setbacks, Dexis delivered results. Working within a constrained operating space, the team:
- Supported assessments of Guatemala’s justice system to identify corruption risks
- Strengthened internal police accountability mechanisms
- Built methodologies for tackling migrant trafficking, smuggling, and extortion
- Developed tools to combat customs-related corruption
- Trained investigators in advanced techniques to expose internal misconduct
These efforts helped keep momentum alive, even as national support for anti-corruption efforts waned. Senior U.S. officials praised the team’s speed, creativity, and impact under pressure.
Turning a Page
In 2024, the political tide turned once again. With the inauguration of a new president committed to transparency and reform, Guatemala’s anti-corruption agenda reentered the national spotlight. Institutions including the newly formed Anti-Corruption Commission and several key ministries have since requested support — from strengthening internal controls to designing systems that prevent abuse of power.
Dexis, already embedded in the country and trusted by partners, is now positioned to support these reforms from the ground up.
The Constant of Change
Even as conditions improve, the lesson remains: adaptability is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Development efforts that endure political whiplash must be agile, informed, and grounded in local realities. In Guatemala — and beyond — Dexis continues to apply this hard-earned lesson to help the U.S. government achieve its goals in the most complex environments.