Selling Souls: The Effect of Globalization on Human Trafficking and Forced Servitude
Posted: 26 Apr 2011
Date Written: 2008
Abstract
Globalization and regional integration have contributed to human trafficking becoming the fastest growing and the third most widespread criminal enterprise in the world after drugs and weapons trafficking. The rush to integrate trading blocs and to compete in the international marketplace has led unscrupulous entrepreneurs and international criminal organizations to create a supply chain of men, women, and children for exploitation in agriculture, manufacturing, services industries, construction, and worst of all, sexual servitude in the sex tourism industry. The crimes perpetrated by human traffickers constitute egregious human rights abuses and crimes against international law. This article examines the nexus between globalization and human trafficking, why human trafficking is growing at a alarming rate worldwide, and what can be done by nation states to control and stop this most insidious international crime.
Keywords: globalization, regional integration, human trafficking, forced servitude, international marketplace, international criminal organizations, exploitation, sex tourism, human rights abuses, international law
JEL Classification: K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation