Modern slavery encompasses a range of exploitative practices where individuals are forced to work against their will, often under threat, coercion, or abuse of power. While the form and visibility of slavery have changed since the transatlantic slave trade, state-imposed slavery remains a critical issue worldwide, especially as technology and globalization reshape labor markets.
State-imposed forced labor refers to situations where governments or state actors directly compel individuals to work, often under harsh or exploitative conditions. This includes forced prison labor, compulsory military service beyond reasonable limits, and forced labor as punishment for political dissent or social identity. Workforce mobility—the ability of workers to move freely across regions or countries in search of better opportunities—is a hallmark of globalization. However, this mobility is often restricted by legal, political, and economic barriers, which can be manipulated by states to control or exploit populations.
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