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Transnational Trafficking, Law Enforcement and Victim Protection: A Middleman Trafficker's Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Akee, Randall K. Q.

    (University of California, Los Angeles)

  • Bedi, Arjun S.

    (ISS, Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Basu, Arnab K.

    (Cornell University)

  • Chau, Nancy H.

    (Cornell University)

Abstract

We explore three hitherto poorly understood characteristics of the human trafficking market – the cross-border ease of mobility of traffickers, the relative bargaining strength of traffickers and final buyers, and the elasticity of buyers' demand. In a model of two-way bargaining, the exact configuration of these characteristics is shown to determine whether domestic and foreign crackdowns on illicit employment mutually reinforce or counteract one another in efforts to stem the tide of trafficking. Estimation results from a gravity model of trafficking present evidence consistent with the mutual reinforcement view, indicating considerable ease of mobility, partial bargaining power, and inelastic demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Akee, Randall K. Q. & Bedi, Arjun S. & Basu, Arnab K. & Chau, Nancy H., 2011. "Transnational Trafficking, Law Enforcement and Victim Protection: A Middleman Trafficker's Perspective," IZA Discussion Papers 6226, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp6226
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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