Security Implications of Human-Trafficking Networks
Abstract
Globalization has provided many people around the world with enhanced economic opportunities. Unfortunately, organized crime groups have used these new opportunities for personal gain by trafficking other humans into situations where they are denied basic human rights. Although human trafficking is not a new phenomenon, globalization has increased worldwide competition, which has intensified the demand for cheaper goods and services. The cost of labor for the production of goods and for the provision of services needs to be kept low to keep prices low and to maximize profits. This demand has increased the need for low-cost labor and has allowed human trafficking to become a profitable business for organized crime groups around the world. Consequently, it seems likely that human trafficking will continue to grow. The primary research question examined in this thesis is as follows: What are the implications of human-trafficking networks for the security of the United States? The secondary research questions include the following: What is human trafficking?, How is human trafficking carried out?, and How do criminal networks participate in human trafficking? The author contends that the United States must investigate any connections between the operations of human-trafficking networks and terrorist groups and the potential implications these connections could have for national security. The case study presented in this thesis focuses on the connections that exist between human-trafficking networks and terrorist organizations in Kosovo.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471456
Entities
People
- Darla L. Stencavage
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College