Terrorism, Slavery and the Evolution of the ‘Crime–Terror Nexus’

Abstract

This article argues for a new application of the concept of the ‘crime–terror nexus’ by highlighting the increased prevalence of criminal engagement in modern slavery and human trafficking (MS/HT) by contemporary terrorist groups. Using the Islamic State and Boko Haram as case studies, Luciano Pollichieni and Andrew Mumford explain how such organisations are involved in MS/HT, and explore the economic and operational advantages they generate from involvement in these illegal activities. The authors call for new research in this field and flag the growing links between terrorism and slavery for counterterrorist practitioners.◼.