Human Trafficking For Sexual Exploitation In Southeast Asia

This study centers on the political aspects of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia. Specifically, the human trafficking is a security studies concern because it is not only a social issue, but also a security threat. Just as with drug trafficking, human trafficking has security consequences. The study analyzed human trafficking issues in the following three countries in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. These three countries were chosen due to the high levels of human trafficking. In each of the chosen cases, there is an examination of human trafficking issues in terms of political structures, political policies, economy, and international aid. Findings showed that individual economic status was the most important factor in human trafficking. Regime type, although important, did not show as significant results when compared to individual economic status. However, there was a positive relationship found between international organizations and human trafficking. Recommendations were made concerning the formulation and implementation of political policies. If international organizations take action in each of the three countries, then the problem of human trafficking can decrease