The Atomic Archipelago: U.S. Nuclear Submarines and Technopolitics of Risk in Cold War Italy

In a detailed exploration of Cold War tensions, Davide Orsini examines the intricate relationship between US nuclear submarines and the socio-political landscape of Italy during this turbulent era. The narrative delves into the complexities of technopolitics, highlighting how the presence of nuclear submarines not only reshaped military strategies but also the lived experiences of Italian citizens. Orsini paints a vivid picture of an archipelago of risk, where geopolitics intersected with local realities, reflecting on both the fears and aspirations of those caught in the crossfire of global superpower dynamics.

Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the work reveals how the deployment of nuclear technology became a double-edged sword, altering environmental and community landscapes alike. It invites readers to consider the implications of such military strategies on a fragile world, encouraging a deeper understanding of the environmental histories that intertwined with political decisions in a pivotal time for Italy and the broader European context.