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Paper short abstract:

The paper deals with Krško nuclear power plant in Slovenia from macro, midi and micro perspectives of Yugoslavian and post-Yugoslav environmental politics and policies. In conclusion, our analysis reveals that the entire policies and politics can be characterized as an (un)necessary experiment.

Paper long abstract:

This paper delves into the evolution of the Yugoslav nuclear program. Emphasizing the pinnacle of the Yugoslav nuclear program, which coincided with the peaceful generation of electricity via the Krško nuclear power plant (NPP), this study primarily focuses on its development. Our narrative centers around the Krško NPP in Slovenia, the sole nuclear power plant in Yugoslavia, which was commissioned in 1983. We examine the environmental history of Krško through three distinct lenses: a) Macro Perspective encompasses Krško's place in the broader context of Yugoslavian international relations, particularly its interactions with the United States, and its significance within energy politics; b) Midi Perspective delves into Krško as an internal Yugoslavian concern, later evolving into a Croatian-Slovenian issue; c) Micro Perspective scrutinizes the power plant itself and the various stakeholders involved, including environmental movements, local communities, and plant workers. These layers are intricately woven into the concepts of the "Wasteocene" (as described by M. Armiero), offering a political and social framework for understanding waste, which is pertinent to the Croatian-Slovenian tensions. We also consider the notion of "slow violence" (as articulated by R. Nixon) in the context of pollution in the Sava River and its implications for healthcare. Lastly, we explore the concept of "slow hope" (as conceptualized by C. Mauch) concerning the future trajectory of Krško. In conclusion, our analysis reveals that the entire policies and politics surrounding the Yugoslav nuclear program can be characterized as an (un)necessary experiment, echoing the sentiments of leading socialist politician Jakov Blažević.