"Red Atom takes a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the Soviet Union's peaceful use of nuclear power. It explores both the projects and the technocratic and political elite who were dedicated to increasing state power through technology. And it describes the political, economic, and environmental fallout of Chernobyl." "A story of big science run amok, Red Atom illuminates the problems that can befall any society heavily invested in large-scale technology."--BOOK JACKET