This paper is part of the IOM Migration Research Leaders Syndicate’s contribution toward the Global Compact for Migration. This technical paper answers the question "how should migrant smuggling be confronted?". Migrant smuggling is seen as antithetical to safe, orderly and regular migration. In fact, the fight against migrant smuggling stands out as a point of agreement in an otherwise fractured policy field. This paper explores different underpinning motivations for counter-smuggling measures.