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Dark Networks: an Exploration of the Ties that Bind Insurgent Groups and Shape Illicit Behavior
Rains, Holly
Rains, Holly
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Abstract
Article 1:The following article is a case study of the human trafficking network that existed among insurgent groups worldwide from 1998-2008. A topographical analysis is presented that covers main network features, including network-level centralization, density, transitivity, and path length. The analysis reveals that the network is highly centralized and sparse with moderate transitivity and short path lengths. Counter-terrorism strategies are presented to fit the network structure. Article 2:How does an insurgent group’s position in their ally network affect human trafficking behavior? This paper explores the connection between insurgent group network centrality and human trafficking behavior. Human trafficking behavior is broken down into four subtypes. I use social network analysis (SNA) to calculate a measure of centrality for all insurgent groups, and find that insurgent groups that are centrally located in their ally network are more likely to participate in human trafficking, and especially in sexual exploitation and kidnapping. This yields important insights for the overall structure of dark networks and the effect on illicit behavior. Article 3:What influences the choice of ally in illicit behavior insurgent networks? Key findings have highlighted the importance of capacity, group age, alliance count, and territorial control in trafficking behavior. I add to this body of research and test the effect of human trafficking network ties on drug trafficking network ties with the same actors. I find that having an ally relationship in the human trafficking network is a significant predictor of ally relationship choice in a drug trafficking network. I also find strong network centralization among both illicit networks, implying the influential presence of key power brokers in the network.
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Date
2022-08-31
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University of Kansas
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Keywords
International relations, Human Trafficking, Insurgent groups, Social network analysis, Terrorism