National Human Trafficking Initiatives: Dimensions of Policy Diffusion

Area of Science:

• Criminology and International Law
• Public Policy Analysis
• Sociology of Global Governance

Background:

• Criminal law implementation encompasses law enforcement, public education, and victim services.
• Previous global trend research often focused on single policy dimensions, overlooking independent factors.
• Understanding the drivers of diverse anti-trafficking policy implementation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the independent factors influencing the implementation of distinct anti-trafficking policy dimensions.
• To investigate the role of global ties and domestic interest groups in prosecution, prevention, and victim protection efforts.
• To assess the impact of international mandates and foreign aid on state anti-trafficking actions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an ordered-probit model for quantitative analysis.
• Employed novel human trafficking policy data covering national prosecution, prevention, and victim protection.
• Examined the association between global ties, domestic interest groups, and policy implementation.

Main Results:

• Global ties and domestic interest groups significantly impact trafficking prevention and victim protection, particularly in areas with less defined international law.
• National prosecution efforts, despite being mandated by the Trafficking Protocol, showed less responsiveness to global ties and domestic interest groups.
• Neither ratification of the Trafficking Protocol nor U.S. aid levels correlated with increased implementation of anti-trafficking measures.

Conclusions:

• The diffusion of anti-trafficking policies is multi-dimensional, with varying influences on prosecution, prevention, and victim protection.
• External factors like global interconnectedness and domestic advocacy are key drivers for prevention and victim support.
• Deterrence through international agreements or aid appears less effective than anticipated in driving state implementation.