Applied Research in Geographical Sciences

Applied Research in Geographical Sciences

Investigating the role of natural elements in the military geography of combating goods and currency smuggling (Case study: border regions of Iran)

Articles in Press
Authors
Hamidreza Karimi 1
Shariar Khaledi 2
Reza Borna 3
1 Doctoral student of climatology, Department of Geography, Science and Research Branch. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Corresponding author, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, shahid beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Goods and currency smuggling is a widespread issue in Iran, disrupting economic, political, and social planning. While not limited to border regions, these areas are particularly vulnerable due to their unique geographical conditions. This research focuses on the natural factors influencing smuggling in border areas, examining the roles of topography, vegetation, climate, and water resources.



The study aims to determine the extent and mechanisms by which each of these natural factors affects the control of goods and currency smuggling in the country's border regions. This is a fundamental-applied study using descriptive-analytical and quantitative methods. Data were collected through surveys of military and border guard personnel stationed in border regions and analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, regression analysis, and path analysis modeling.



The results indicate that topography, vegetation, and climate have the most significant impact on hindering the operations of military and border guard forces in combating smuggling. The Pearson correlation coefficient (0.620) demonstrates a strong relationship between natural geography and the military geography of anti-smuggling efforts. In regression analysis, the "climate" variable shows the highest impact with a beta coefficient of 0.350, while "water resources" has the lowest impact with a beta coefficient of 0.124. Furthermore, the path analysis model shows that vegetation, topography, and water resources, influenced by climatic conditions, affect the quality of anti-smuggling efforts in the country's border regions, thereby creating challenges for military and border guard forces in controlling, monitoring, and combating smuggling.
Keywords
natural geography
military geography
smuggling of goods and currency
border areas
Iran
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Applied Research in Geographical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 March 2007