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Forum from the Archives: ‘Twist’ Explores Sabotage, Repair and the Hidden Cables Connecting Us

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Jul 29, 2025
Colum McCann, a National Book Award-winning author known for novels like 'Apeirogon,' delves into his latest work, 'Twist,' which examines the critical role of underwater cables in global communication. He explores themes of sabotage and repair, particularly how these cables are vulnerable to geopolitical threats. The discussion uncovers the personal and societal implications of our interconnected lives while highlighting the emotional nuances of technology. McCann also shares reflections on identity and the complexities of human connections in an increasingly digital world.
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INSIGHT

Undersea Cables Carry Most Data

  • Over 95% of global data travels through underwater fiber optic cables, not satellites or the cloud.
  • These cables run deep into unknown ocean zones, carrying our voice and data in pulses of light.
INSIGHT

Underwater Cables as Warfront

  • Sabotage and geopolitical tension threaten underwater cables, especially in sensitive regions like the Baltic Sea.
  • Future warfare may target these cables underwater to control information flow and sow misinformation.
ANECDOTE

Landing Stations Vulnerability

  • Landing stations are unassuming coastal buildings where cables come ashore, often with minimal security.
  • Colum McCann could have physically accessed the cables there with a crowbar, highlighting vulnerability.
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