Guatemala is undergoing a process of political change. The democratic transition fails to consolidate as authoritarian features still survive and coexist with democratic rules, resulting in an apparent stability where political control is transferred from traditional actors (political parties, business community) to new emerging players. The authoritarian features rooted in the structures of power, local and national, together with a capitalist accumulation that combines
illegal resources, a weak rule of law, and increasing wealth generated by doing business with the state, provide a scenario of permanent confrontation. This confrontation is not easily perceived, but it is revealed in specific areas where vital rights of people are violated, fear is used as a resource for collective inaction, and public institutions are controlled.