Uneven implementation of human trafficking policies

Abstract

This chapter discusses how anti-trafficking institutions and networks combine to diffuse policy implementation from the top-down and bottom-up. It shows that when no one in the government is held accountable for the implementation of the policies uneven policy implementation occurs as some countries (i.e. Latvia) are more effective at implementing policy than others (i.e. Ukraine and Russia). The results demonstrate that top-down implementation (from the national government) was apparent in all three countries as the government entities attempted to guide implementation. Only Latvia was able to balance this top-down approach with a grass roots bottom-up implementation processes facilitated by their working group and the strength of the interest groups in that country. This could also demonstrate that country size and/or decentralization reforms from the federal level help facilitate human trafficking policy implementation. The influence of internal factors including law enforcement measures to combat trafficking and interest group strength are the most significant facilitators of policy implementation. While state capacity and commitment, bureaucracy, and corruption were the biggest impediments to successful policy implementation. Interest groups also provide feedback loops, policy evaluations, and guide implementation when the government fell short.