ISSN 2736-1608
International Journal of Law and Legal Studies ISSN 2736-1608 Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-014, June, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Review
The role of competing authorities in shaping law and order after conflict in Guatemala
Ami C. Carpenter*, Anu Lawrence and Milburn Line
University of San Diego 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110.
Accepted 21 April, 2024
Abstract
This study analyzes the contested authorities that deal with land and criminal conflict in the Ixil Region of Guatemala. We studied the local laws, customs and actors governing the use of violence, conflict resolution and justice. Actors included indigenous NGOs, individual leaders (community and municipal), youth gangs, armed security patrols, and organized criminal networks. Findings suggest that the Guatemalan State competes for authority with alternative forms of governance in the Ixil Region of Guatemala. Specifically, control over violence and rulemaking are contested and negotiated across three institutional categories: methods of control imposed by local security groups and organized criminal networks; indigenous and constitutional law; and municipal, auxiliary and indigenous mayors. Our findings suggest that while violence may be reduced to the extent that these social networks overlap, weak rule of law will continue to negatively impact human rights and security in this region.
Key words: Conflict resolution, Guatemala, governance, law, alternative governance, organized crime, indigenous law, criminal networks, Derecho Maya, land conflict.