An Empirical Analysis of Human Trafficking in an Era of Globalization

PurposeThe paper explores the dark side of economic openness by examining empirically the nexus between the globalization process and human trafficking. Specifically, it is about showing in a global perspective how the growing process of free movement of people, goods, capital, services and information technology make the globe a connected web of activity for the sale and exploitation of human beings.Design/methodology/approachAfter discussing some transmission channels through which globalization could increase this practice based on the lessons from the literature, an empirical analysis is done by employing ordinary least squares (OLS) and Probit regressions on a cross-sectional model covering 130 countries worldwide.FindingsFindings, robust to the consideration of the sub-regional specificities and controlling for social, cultural and historical factors, suggest that globalization, particularly financial and cultural, favors human trafficking. In the light of these results, some policy recommendations are discussed.Originality/valueThis study complements the extant literature by assessing dynamics of globalization in human trafficking.