Research and Development in Public Law

Research and Development in Public Law

Impacts of Technology on Development of Frontiers of International Law

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Professor, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
International law, which historically focused primarily on diplomatic relations and armed conflicts, has undergone a significant transformation due to rapid technological advancements. Various industrial revolutions have not only expanded the geographical boundaries of international law — such as into outer space and the deep seas — but have also increasingly limited the absolute sovereignty of states within their territories. While political, economic, and cultural factors undoubtedly play a role in the evolution of international law, technological progress appears to have the most profound impact. At the same time, it protected the pivotal role of technology in shaping various domains of international law, including space law, intellectual property rights, nuclear energy governance, environmental protection, and the ethical regulation of artificial intelligence. It further explores the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive and forward-looking legal frameworks to ensure the equitable and responsible advancement of global society.
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