Austin Cooper

Austin Cooper is an Assistant Professor of History at Purdue University within the College of Liberal Arts. He specializes in contemporary international history with a focus on nuclear technologies, Cold War arms races, and their intersections with decolonization.

• Education: PhD in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania

His research examines how nuclear weapons testing (e.g., French tests in Algeria) reshaped global politics and public perceptions, particularly through claims of radiation exposure and genetic damage. He is currently developing a book titled Saharan Fallout and exploring gaps in nuclear nonproliferation regimes.

Recent publications analyze French nuclear secrecy, Cold War-era diplomatic crises over test sites, and the role of international cooperation in establishing the IAEA. Cooper also serves as a Senior Research Associate in the Nuclear Knowledges program at SciencesPo Paris.

• Scientific Affiliations:
  • Senior Research Associate, Center for International Studies (SciencesPo Paris)
• Key Awards:
  • Stanton Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (MIT)
  • Stanford University Fellowship (CISAC)

He teaches courses including The Nuclear Age and Africa in the Twentieth Century, and advises graduate research on nuclear history and international security.