As an independent team of experienced democracy practitioners, Sentinel advances American interests prioritizing smart, cost-effective solutions that empower local populations to challenge repression and build democratic momentum from within. Sentinel's approach strengthens U.S. national security by addressing the root causes of instability – including repression, corruption, and lack of accountability – reinforcing the enduring power of liberty – a smarter, more sustainable way to keep America safe. Our asymmetric operational approach bridges critical gaps left by legacy implementers, offering solutions tailored to increasingly restrictive contexts.
Sentinel’s operational model is founded on three omplementary pillars:
Security is our foundation; transformation is our goal. Sentinel thrives behind the scenes with discretion and an unwavering commitment to the principle of “do no harm” to the networks we support. We do not seek public recognition by releasing white papers or press statements; instead, we focus on targeted applied action, constantly refining our strategies through rigorous internal assessments, including feedback across our global networks, to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Sentinel goes beyond analog methods by integrating artificial intelligence across its operations, ensuring activists stay ahead of authoritarian regimes by adopting trusted tactics in real-time. Our AI-enabled tools optimize secure communications, data analysis, and operational efficiencies, empowering activists to outpace and outmaneuver their adversaries. Internally, AI enhances Sentinel’s processes, enabling us to remain agile, adaptive, and at the forefront of innovation in non-permissive environments. Sentinel prioritizes a culture of professional development, self-care, and resilience, fostering a supportive environment for its team and the activists it empowers in repressive contexts – recognizing that sustainability in challenging environments begins with the well-being and growth of those driving change. With Sentinel, the fight for democracy isn’t just possible – it’s unstoppable.
At Sentinel, our approach to countering authoritarianism is defined by innovation, precision, safely implemented activities and impact. Here’s how Sentinel stands out:
Sentinel Partners Global is a catalyst for change in the world’s most challenging environments. Our unique approach, rooted in innovation, global partnerships, and security, ensures that every step we take advances liberty and counters authoritarianism where it matters most.
Autocracy is on the rise. According to Freedom House, 2023 marked the 18 th consecutive year of decline in global freedom. Headlining this decline is an increase in the number of authoritarian and semi-authoritarian states, which control their populations across political, economic, civic, digital, media, individual, and governing spaces. Such a state of affairs is contrary to U.S. policy objectives, and many of the countries concerned are clearly identified as U.S. adversaries. For this reason, and because of these countries' stranglehold over their own populations, governance work within their borders is increasingly difficult to conduct. In a recent planning document, USAID acknowledged the “vast majority of countries in which it works have experienced some degree of non-permissiveness over the last 20 years, with backsliding, dramatic downturns and disruptive shocks not uncommon.” USAID concluded that “building operational capabilities in non-permissive environments is critical to achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives.”
Authoritarian regimes don’t just oppress their own populations – they actively threaten U.S. security with cyberattacks, coercive trade practices, and the destabilization of alliances that protect global security. The U.S. and its allies acknowledge they compete against state adversaries that fail to comply with international norms and engage in all dimensions of power. Therefore – reimagined approaches must be devised to go on offense – creating the conditions for the next democratic wave. Just as the conflict in Ukraine has illustrated the need for revamped strategic approaches to outdated military doctrine, the same is true for soft power promotion. The 2024 National Defense Strategy (NDS) states, “Global competitors and adversaries seek to erode the long-standing rules-based international order using areas short of open warfare to achieve their ends, including information warfare, denied proxy operations and subversion.” The NDS concludes if these trends go unaddressed, “they will challenge the United States’ ability to deter aggression.” The NDS identifies multilateral organizations, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, and strategic influencers as critical partners to address these threats. Sentinel recognizes this shifting geopolitical reality and has developed an innovative framework to counter these threats through targeted, high-tempo, persistent, nontraditional strategies tailored to restrictive environments.
Sentinel disrupts the status quo in democracy promotion by employing asymmetric strategies designed to empower local actors and challenge authoritarian systems at their core.
Systemic democratic change in authoritarian contexts begins with equipping marginalized individuals and communities with actionable adaptive strategies, persistent technical support, and trusted secure platforms to build resilience and mobilize effectively. Sentinel empowers these advocates to expose corruption, counter oppressive narratives, and catalyze reforms by enabling them to leverage the transformative power of grassroots coalitions, digital innovation, and evidence-based campaigns.
By utilizing advanced research, discreet technical mentorship, and cutting-edge digital tools, Sentinel amplifies the voices of local advocates and ensures their efforts penetrate barriers imposed by authoritarian regimes.
Sentinel’s model integrates evidence-driven practices, technology-driven disruption, and localized expertise to counter authoritarianism at its weakest points. By embracing operational agility and prioritizing long-term resilience, Sentinel ensures that activists thrive in restrictive contexts and challenge authoritarian adversaries.
To create a world where marginalized voices are empowered to challenge oppression, authoritarian systems are held accountable, and democratic values take root even in the most challenging environments. Grounded in innovation, security, and measurable outcomes, Sentinel’s approach transforms how democracy promotion operates, driving lasting changes in the fight for freedom and human rights.