Advanced Journal of Management, Humanity and Social Science

Abstract Attacks on critical infrastructure, whether kinetic or cyber, constitute one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary international law. The 2026 joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran's nuclear facilities, energy infrastructure, bridges, and transportation networks, combined with concurrent cyber operations targeting communication systems, have reignited debate over the legal framework governing such attacks. This article examines the legal dimensions of the prohibition on infrastructure attacks under international law, analyzing the US-Israel strikes as a case study and exploring available legal avenues for Iran to seek recourse before international judicial bodies. Using a descriptive-analytical methodology grounded in treaty interpretation, customary international law analysis, and judicial precedent, this research finds that while international humanitarian law (IHL) provides a robust framework through the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, the concept of "dual-use" objects—objects with both civilian and military applications—creates significant interpretive ambiguity . Despite this ambiguity, Article 56 of Additional Protocol I explicitly protects nuclear power plants from attack where such attacks may cause dangerous force release, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has established precedent by issuing arrest warrants for attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure. The research identifies four principal legal avenues: proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), prosecution before the ICC, arbitration through bilateral dispute resolution mechanisms, and domestic litigation. However, significant obstacles persist, including the United States' withdrawal from the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran, non-membership in the Rome Statute, attribution challenges for cyber operations, and evidentiary difficulties. The article concludes that while international law prohibits attacks on critical infrastructure, enforcement mechanisms remain inadequate, and the most effective long-term strategy involves strengthening multilateral cooperation and developing a dedicated convention on critical infrastructure protection.

Abstract The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) companions—conversational agents designed to provide social interaction and emotional support—has prompted significant scholarly debate regarding their psychological and social consequences, particularly for young adults. This study investigates the impact of AI companion use on loneliness, emotional attachment to AI, and interpersonal communication competence among university students (N = 1,200). Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, we measured social-interaction burnout, subjective loneliness, AI parasocial interaction, emotional attachment to AI, and interpersonal communication skills. Our findings reveal a complex, paradoxical relationship: while AI companions offer immediate relief from loneliness (β = 0.254, p < .001) and are perceived as low-risk sources of social connection, they also significantly predict emotional dependence (β = 0.318, p < .001) which, in turn, negatively correlates with interpersonal communication competence (β = -0.41, p < .001). Furthermore, social-interaction burnout emerged as a strong predictor of AI attachment (β = 0.238, p < .001). The results support the "Algorithmic Sanctuary" hypothesis, suggesting that young adults may retreat to AI interactions to escape the perceived judgment and demands of human relationships, a process that paradoxically may impair the very social skills needed to forge meaningful human connections. This study underscores the need for digital literacy interventions that address the developmental and relational implications of sustained AI companionship.

Abstract Digital transformation has evolved from a technology-oriented initiative into a comprehensive organizational transformation that affects strategy, structure, processes, capabilities, culture, and value creation. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a central technological driver capable of redesigning organizational processes, supporting decision-making, automating repetitive activities, and enabling new forms of human–technology collaboration. However, the organizational value of AI not achieved through technological implementation alone. Successful implementation requires strategic alignment, organizational readiness, employee participation, leadership commitment, appropriate governance, and systematic change management. This study investigates the relationship between digital transformation strategies, AI implementation, organizational process transformation, and change management through a structured review and synthesis of the relevant literature. The analysis integrates perspectives from digital transformation, dynamic capabilities, technology adoption, organizational change, and human–AI collaboration. The findings indicate that successful AI-enabled transformation depends on four interconnected dimensions: strategic alignment and digital capabilities, process redesign and technological integration, human-centered change management, and governance and continuous organizational learning. The evidence further suggests that organizations achieve greater transformation value when AI is implemented as part of redesigned organizational processes rather than as an isolated technological tool. Leadership communication, employee training, participation, trust, and reinforcement mechanisms appear particularly important for reducing resistance and supporting sustainable adoption. The study proposes an integrated framework in which digital strategy establishes direction, AI provides technological capabilities, process redesign converts these capabilities into operational value, and change management facilitates organizational adoption and institutionalization. The results contribute to the literature by connecting technological transformation with the human and organizational mechanisms required for sustainable AI-enabled transformation.

Abstract The present study aims to identify the constraints prevailing over the establishment of good governance and the parliamentarization of the Islamic Republic system in Iran’s positive laws, by examining the impact of establishing a parliamentary system on strengthening the foundations of good governance in Iran. The researcher believes that establishing a parliamentary system can serve as an effective strategy for strengthening these foundations and realizing popular government. Although this change may introduce new challenges and consequences in the governmental structure, a thorough examination of these effects and their feasibility can pave the way for improving governance in Iran’s political system. Currently, Iran’s political system is recognized as a semi-presidential–semi-parliamentary system, and the existing electoral systems have been shaped in accordance with this arrangement over the past few decades. However, to fully realize the components of good governance, it appears necessary to create and implement an indigenous model of an electoral system. The transition from the current presidential–parliamentary system toward a parliamentary system requires the design of a specific electoral system. The electoral system plays a significant role in shaping and influencing components such as rule of law, participation, accountability, responsiveness, transparency, and effectiveness; at the same time, its success also depends on the proper functioning of these components. This research, conducted using an analytical-descriptive method, shows that under current conditions, changing the political system to a parliamentary one is not feasible, and this matter requires field studies, further research, and dialogue with officials in this arena to prepare the ground for the possibility of such a change in the future.

Abstract The urban tourism economy examines the impact of tourism activities on the economic growth of cities and the quality of life of citizens. This type of economy, by attracting domestic and international tourists, leads to increased income, job creation, and the flourishing of local businesses. Within the framework of sustainable development, the urban tourism economy must be managed in such a way that the natural, cultural, and social resources of the city are preserved, and excessive pressure is not imposed on infrastructure. In other words, sustainable urban tourism development emphasizes the creation of a balance between economic benefit, environmental protection, and social welfare. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of the urban tourism economy on sustainable development (Case Study: Tabriz Metropolis). In this research, the Fuzzy TOPSIS model has been employed. This research is applied-theoretical in terms of objective and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The required information and data have been collected through library-based methods. In this study, the impact of the urban tourism economy on the sustainable development of the Tabriz metropolis has been examined using the Fuzzy TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making model. The aim of the study is to measure the extent of the influence of economic, social, environmental, and cultural indicators of tourism on the urban sustainability of Tabriz. By utilizing field data and expert opinions, key criteria such as tourism infrastructure, job creation, environmental protection, and local investment growth were analyzed within the fuzzy model framework. The results indicated that urban tourism development in Tabriz has a positive and significant role in enhancing sustainable development indicators, and the Fuzzy TOPSIS approach is an efficient method for prioritizing components affecting urban sustainability.

Abstract Chronic pain is a prevalent and disabling health condition that is frequently accompanied by depression, emotional distress, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has emerged as a contextual behavioral intervention designed to improve psychological flexibility, facilitate acceptance of unpleasant internal experiences, and promote engagement in personally meaningful activities despite pain. The present systematic review and meta-analytic synthesis examined the effectiveness of ACT in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life among adults with chronic pain. Published randomized controlled trials and previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating ACT for chronic pain were considered. The evidence indicates that ACT produces clinically meaningful improvements in psychological and quality-of-life outcomes compared with usual care, waiting-list conditions, and, in some studies, active psychological interventions. Across a three-level meta-analysis involving 33 randomized controlled trials and 2,293 participants, ACT demonstrated significant effects on depression (Hedges' g = 0.43) and quality of life (g = 0.45) immediately after treatment. Similar effects were observed at follow-up, with pooled effects of g = 0.43 for depression and g = 0.43 for quality of life. Another meta-analysis of 21 trials involving 1,962 participants reported a standardized mean difference of −0.74 for depression and 0.43 for quality of life, favoring ACT. These findings suggest that ACT may be particularly valuable because it does not require pain elimination as a prerequisite for recovery. Instead, it targets psychological flexibility, acceptance, values-based behavior, and meaningful engagement. Overall, ACT appears to be an effective psychological intervention for reducing depression and enhancing quality of life in people living with chronic pain, although heterogeneity in intervention format, diagnosis, comparator condition, treatment duration, and follow-up period should be considered when interpreting the evidence.

Abstract The period from the beginning of the Major Occultation (329 AH) to the establishment of the Safavid state (907 AH) is considered one of the sensitive junctures in the history of Islam and Shi'ism. During this period, the Shi'a faced a crisis of leadership of the Infallible Imam (peace be upon him) and underwent various vicissitudes. However, the numerous obstacles along the way could not prevent Shi'ism from growth and flourishing; rather, it continued its movement with steady steps and was able to extend its influence to various regions. This success after the Major Occultation was the result of several factors, among which the contribution of ethical components is significant. The present study seeks to answer the following question: What were the ethical-political components influencing the growth of Shi'ism from the Major Occultation (329 AH) to the establishment of the Safavid state (907 AH)? A descriptive-analytical examination of the ethics of Shia rulers demonstrates that legalism and the implementation of divine ordinances in society in accordance with the commands of the Shari'a, just behavior, populism, rationalism, and attention to the religious and Shia education of the people by most Shia rulers in the period under discussion were influential in promoting their school of thought and spreading the Shia religion.

Abstract Peaceful space facilities constitute an interdependent terrestrial-orbital infrastructure: satellites, ground stations, mission-control networks, user terminals, inter-satellite links, and software-dependent services. A malicious cyber operation directed at any one of these components may disrupt essential civilian functions far beyond the immediate target. Yet a damaging cyber incident does not itself establish an internationally wrongful act of a state, and an internationally wrongful act does not necessarily constitute a prohibited use of force or an armed attack. This article develops a sequential doctrinal framework for evaluating state responsibility for cyber operations against peaceful space facilities under the United Nations Charter, the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, and the law of state responsibility. Its method is qualitative legal analysis of primary instruments, current United Nations materials and peer-reviewed scholarship published principally in 2024–2026, supplemented by carefully labelled hypothetical scenarios. It distinguishes technical attribution, legal attribution, the content and breach of primary obligations, injury and reparation, and the independent conditions for lawful responses. It argues that Article III of the Outer Space Treaty confirms the applicability of the Charter in the space domain, whereas Articles VI–IX add distinctive but non-identical obligations concerning national space activities, launch-related liability, jurisdiction and control, and due regard. These rules should not be collapsed into a blanket presumption that a state is responsible for every cyberattack by a private actor connected to its territory. An effects-sensitive analysis can identify conduct potentially falling under Article 2(4), while the more demanding armed-attack inquiry governing Article 51 requires a separate assessment of scale, effects, necessity and proportionality. The proposed evidentiary and institutional approach prioritizes timely incident preservation, reasoned legal attribution, consultations and reversible non-forcible measures. It addresses the legal uncertainty surrounding non-destructive interference, due diligence and the reach of the specialized space-liability regime without treating contested interpretations as settled law.

Abstract Cyberterrorism is not synonymous with serious hacking, ideologically motivated disruption, terrorist propaganda, or state-sponsored cyber operations. This article compares how Iranian law and European Union law address digitally enabled violence and interference that may meet a terrorism threshold, while also assessing ordinary cybercrime, critical-infrastructure security, electronic evidence and procedural safeguards. Employing a qualitative doctrinal and functional comparative method, it reads Iran’s Computer Crimes Act against the EU Counter-Terrorism Directive, the attacks-against-information-systems framework and the layered cybersecurity acquis, with developments through 24 September 2026. It finds a shared capacity to prosecute harmful interference with essential systems but significant differences in the express legal link between cyber interference and terrorist purpose, the distribution of preventive duties and the architecture of cross-border evidence. The comparison also demonstrates that resilience laws cannot replace criminal-law proof of intent and that cybersecurity incident datasets must not be treated as estimates of terrorist offending. The article proposes tightly defined offence criteria, interoperable evidence safeguards and risk-based infrastructure protection without conflating political expression, cybercrime and terrorism. [R01-R17, R20]