Should It Explode to Be Noticed?: The Response of Soviet Mono-Functional Towns to the Post-Soviet Physical, Social, Economic, and Environmental Transition Part 1 Dissertation 2023 Anastasija Grigorjeva Coventry University | UK Monotowns, a significant part of Eastern Europe's urban infrastructure, have been overlooked despite their importance. These compact settlements, centered around a single industry in remote areas of the former USSR, were originally intended to strengthen economic ties among Soviet Union republics. However, the transition to capitalism exposed their weaknesses. This paper examines the response of Soviet nuclear towns/satellite cities to this transition. Using case studies like Visaginas, Pripyat, and Elektrenai, the study categorizes adaptations on a spectrum of success based on current socio-economic conditions. Physical, social, economic, and environmental dimensions are analyzed to identify indicators of success and failure. The dissertation focuses on each case study's unique aspects and proposed revival plans. The comparison of Visaginas, Elektrenai, and Pripyat avoids stigmatizing them as relics of the Soviet era. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating new identities for these cities. The research highlights how Pripyat influenced the fate and identity formation of Visaginas and Elektrenai in contrasting ways. Despite ongoing challenges, addressing specific issues can prevent repeating past mistakes. This dissertation sheds light on the unique problems faced by each case study, promoting a departure from the socialist stigma and the development of new identities for these cities. Anastasija Grigorjeva Tutor(s) Tulika Gadakari Giovanna Piga