KQED's Forum ‘Twist’ Explores Sabotage, Repair and the Hidden Cables Connecting Us
Apr 11, 2025
Colum McCann, a National Book Award-winning author known for his deep explorations of human connections, discusses his novel "Twist". He dives into the hidden world of underwater cables that underpin global communication and the threats of sabotage that loom over them. McCann reveals how his protagonist, a journalist, grapples with personal turmoil while addressing global dependencies on these cables. The conversation also reflects on identity, belonging, and the intricate relationships we maintain, both digitally and personally.
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Undersea Cables
- Most internet data travels through undersea cables, not satellites or clouds.
- These cables are vulnerable to breaks and disruptions.
Writing Towards the Unknown
- Colm McCann writes towards what he wants to know, focusing on repair in a post-pandemic world.
- Undersea internet cables, carrying 95% of global data, became his subject.
Cable Sabotage
- Recent cable breaks in the Baltic Sea highlight potential sabotage by Russia and China.
- A British admiral warned that the next major war might begin underwater with cable cutting.
