The Meanings of a Disaster: Chernobyl and Its Afterlives in Britain and France (Environment in History: International Perspectives, 20)

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“The Meanings of a Disaster: Chernobyl and Its Afterlives in Britain and France” explores the lasting impact of the Chernobyl disaster on Western European societies. Author Karena Kalmbach examines how Britain and France grappled with the accident’s immediate consequences and its long-term social, political, and environmental ramifications. Moving beyond a purely technical account, the book reveals how Chernobyl became a lens through which existing anxieties about nuclear power, national identity, and the Soviet Union were amplified and reinterpreted. Kalmbach meticulously analyzes public discourse, policy debates, and cultural representations, offering a nuanced understanding of how the disaster shaped Western European perceptions of risk, responsibility, and international relations. Published in 2020 by Berghahn Books, this insightful study provides valuable perspectives for students and scholars interested in environmental history, European studies, and the politics of disaster. The book also uncovers the untold stories of how different social groups in Britain and France perceived and reacted to the radioactive fallout. It highlights the anxieties fueled by uncertainty and misinformation, examining how individuals and communities negotiated the challenges posed by a disaster that transcended national boundaries. Readers can delve into the book to discover how Chernobyl became a pivotal moment that transformed public discourse and reshaped political landscapes in both countries. The book serves as a crucial reminder of the need for transparent communication, international cooperation, and responsible policymaking in the face of global challenges.

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The disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was an event of obviously transnational significancenot only in the airborne particulates it deposited across the Northern hemisphere, but in the political and social repercussions it set off well beyond the Soviet bloc. Focusing on the cases of Great Britain and France, this innovative study explores the discourses and narratives that arose in the wake of the incident among both state and nonstate actors. It gives a thorough account of the stereotypes, framings, and othering strategies that shaped Western European nations responses to the disaster, and of their efforts to come to terms with its long-term consequences up to the present day.

Explore the enduring legacy of Chernobyl with "The Meanings of a Disaster: Chernobyl and Its Afterlives in Britain and France," a compelling hardcover study by Karena Kalmbach. Published by Berghahn Books in 2020, this book, the 20th volume in the "Environment in History: International Perspectives" series, delves into the complex responses of Great Britain and France to the 1986 nuclear disaster. Beyond the immediate fallout, Chernobyl triggered profound political and social ramifications that resonated far beyond the Soviet Union. Kalmbach's insightful analysis dissects the narratives, discourses, and "othering" strategies employed by both state and non-state actors in Western Europe as they grappled with the catastrophe and its long-term effects. This meticulously researched book examines how Chernobyl became a lens through which pre-existing anxieties and national identities were refracted. It explores the stereotypes and framings that shaped public perception and policy responses in Britain and France, revealing the nuanced ways in which the disaster was interpreted and integrated into national consciousness. "The Meanings of a Disaster" goes beyond a simple recounting of events. It investigates how the Chernobyl accident served as a catalyst for debates about nuclear energy, environmental responsibility, and the role of government in protecting its citizens. Kalmbach examines the influence of media coverage, public opinion, and scientific expertise in shaping the Western European response. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how historical events are not merely isolated incidents but are actively shaped and interpreted through cultural and political frameworks. This book offers a crucial perspective on the enduring impact of Chernobyl, demonstrating its continuing relevance in contemporary discussions about energy policy, international relations, and the management of risk. Karena Kalmbach's expertise shines through in this rigorous yet accessible study. This first edition, spanning 236 pages, provides valuable insights for students and scholars in history, political science, environmental studies, and European studies. It also appeals to general readers interested in learning more about the Chernobyl disaster and its far-reaching consequences. Order your hardcover copy today and explore the multifaceted meanings of a disaster that continues to shape our world. This books is the perfect resource for those studying European history, international politics, or energy policy.
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

1789207029

ISBN-13

9781789207026

Language

Pages

236

Publisher

Year published

Weight

485

Edition

1

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