This study examines different forms of alternative governance in the absence of a strong state presence in the Northern Triangle of Central America—along part of the Guatemala-Honduras border—a region notorious for its soaring homicide rates, corruption, violence, and emigration to the United States. The purpose of the study is to shed light on the complex and interwoven issues that drive the current crisis of governance in the region and spill over with increasing frequency into strategic issues for the United States.