Edoardo Amaldi and the Scientific Collaboration with the USSR

Abstract

This chapter provides an exploration of Edoardo Amaldi’s Presidency of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), spotlighting his instrumental role in promoting international scientific collaboration and elucidating the multifaceted challenges he adeptly navigated during a complex juncture characterized by the Cold War and decolonization dynamics. Amaldi was proposed for President of the IUPAP by Mott and Fleury, because they looked at him as the most fitting candidate to promote the re-integration of Soviet physicists in the world community of physicists. Amaldi promoted research at national and at inter-European level that he considered two complementary moments. The experience of World War II led him to think that research in physics should be kept free from military connections. During his presidency he had to face the intricated cases of the two Germanies and the two Chinas and also promoted the integration of Asian physicists within the IUPAP