As we turn the final pages of this calendar year, we uphold the tradition of curating the Editor’s Pick series that evaluates all ORF short forms of 2023. This list was compiled collaboratively by both ORF and its audience, as it factored in three key parameters: view counts, the diversity of authorship, and the relevance of the issues and the subject matter.
In 2023, we witnessed “older” threats—escalating geopolitical tensions, trade sanctions, and inflation—converging with contemporary challenges such as the advent of new technologies, climate change, and de-globalisation. Thus, on the global front, our audience exclusively engaged with articles on prevailing conflicts such as the Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas war, the West’s increasing sanctions, the intricate dynamics of global economics, the great power rivalry, and its impact on middle powers. Other entries contemplated broader issues such as the dangers of deep fakes and the new disinformation war, and the pressing concerns surrounding climate change and gender inclusivity. On the domestic front, India’s successful G20 presidency resulted in increased readership for articles discussing its contribution to the expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure, the Digital Rupee, and its efforts to bridge the Global North-South divide and to include the African Union in G20.
From age-old risks to new challenges, these 20 shortlisted articles best capture the past 12 months. We hope you rediscover new briefs, perhaps the ones you might have missed the first time around!
