Date of Submission
2-13-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (Ph.D.)
Advisor
Paul Bleakley, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Stephanie Bonnes, PhD
Committee Member
Victor Asal, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Timothy Palmbach, JD
LC Subject Headings
Human trafficking, Terrorism--Prevention, Transnational crime, Political Stability, Sex discrimination against women, Regression Analysis
Abstract
Trafficking in persons (also known as human trafficking) and terrorism represent two of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, often intersecting in complex ways that threaten human rights and international security. This dissertation adopts a novel quantitative approach to examine the intricate relationships between economic, political, and gender-related factors influencing several countries' vulnerability to both human trafficking and terrorism, as well as the extent to which they can effectively combat these issues. This study analyzes data from 161 countries over two decades (2002-2022), drawing on the U.S. The Department of State's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) tier ratings are the main indicators of human trafficking and measures of political stability and the absence of violence/terrorism, economic stability (GDP), and gender inequality as key outcome variables. This project uses the comprehensive Quality of Government (QoG) dataset organized by the Quality of Government (QoG) Institute at the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) (Teorell et al., 2023). This dissertation employs advanced statistical techniques, including generalized ordered logit and OLS regression models. These analyses identified critical predictors of a country's performance in combating human trafficking, terrorism, and their intersectionality. Drawing on a multidisciplinary theoretical framework encompassing strain, institutional anomie, control, and routine activity theories, and feminist security theory this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics underlying both human trafficking and terrorism. This study explores how these transnational crimes may be interconnected, particularly in conflict-ridden areas where terrorist organizations often engage in human trafficking activities. The findings suggest significant relationships between political stability and rule of law outcomes related to human trafficking and terrorism. This study reveals interactions between gender-related conditions and vulnerability to exploitation, highlighting the role of women's empowerment in combating both crimes. Additionally, this research highlights the enduring impact of colonial legacies on countries' abilities to address these transnational crimes. This research provides valuable insights to inform more effective interventions against both human trafficking and terrorism by integrating global patterns with national contexts. The findings underscore the need for holistic approaches to both human trafficking and terrorism that can address the root causes of these acts and promote human security and sustainable development, rather than superficial “band-aid’ resolutions.
Recommended Citation
Kaur, Sarbjeet, "Unveiling the Dark Symbiosis: A Quantitative Exploration of Human Trafficking, Terrorism, and Socio-Political Dynamics in a Global Context" (2026). Doctoral Works at the University of New Haven. 69.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/dissertations/69