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  1. Politics
23 December 2011updated 12 Oct 2023 11:12am

The 10 most-read articles of 2011

The most popular pieces on newstatesman.com this year.

By New Statesman

1. The bugger, bugged | by Hugh Grant

After a chance meeting with a former News of the World executive who told him his phone had been hacked, Hugh Grant couldn’t resist going back to him – with a hidden tape recorder – to find out if there was more to the story . . .

2. Julian Assange on Murdoch, Manning and the threat from China | by John Pilger

The WikiLeaks founder talks to John Pilger.

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3. “I’m not a punchbag – I have feelings” | by Jemima Khan

The NS guest editor Jemima Khan talks to the Liberal Democrat leader about life on the far side of power and what it’s like to be a cut-out.

4. Faith no more | by Andrew Zak Williams

Earlier this year, Andrew Zak Williams asked public figures why they believe in God. Now it’s the turn of the atheists – from A C Grayling to P Z Myers – to explain why they don’t.

5. Preview: Richard Dawkins interviews Christopher Hitchens | by George Eaton

Exclusive extracts from the writer’s final interview.

6. What really happened in Trafalgar Square | by Laurie Penny

Neither mindless nor violent, young protesters were forced into a stand-off with police.

7. Why Richard Dawkins is the best argument for God | by Russell Brand

Russell Brand questions Richard Dawkins, explains Transcendental Meditation . . . and offers readers a touch of the divine.

8. No limits to the law in NoLa | by James Fox

A federal justice report on policing in New Orleans since 2009 presents damning evidence of brutality, cop misconduct and systemic abuse of black citizens post-Katrina. The city’s jails are not far behind.

9. “You should have your tongue ripped out”: the reality of sexist abuse online | by Helen Lewis-Hasteley

Female bloggers speak out about misogynist comments, rape threats and death threats.

10. What a tangled web we weave | by Robert Trivers

From using euphemisms such as “collateral damage” to faking orgasms, we practise deception all the time. But in order to lie better to others, we must first fool ourselves.

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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  • Arts and Culture
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  • Business / Corporate Services
  • Client / Customer Services
  • Communications
  • Construction, Works, Engineering
  • Education, Curriculum and Teaching
  • Environment, Conservation and NRM
  • Facility / Grounds Management and Maintenance
  • Finance Management
  • Health - Medical and Nursing Management
  • HR, Training and Organisational Development
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Information Services, Statistics, Records, Archives
  • Infrastructure Management - Transport, Utilities
  • Legal Officers and Practitioners
  • Librarians and Library Management
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  • OH&S, Risk Management
  • Operations Management
  • Planning, Policy, Strategy
  • Printing, Design, Publishing, Web
  • Projects, Programs and Advisors
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  • Public Relations and Media
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  • Quality Management
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  • Security and Law Enforcement
  • Service Delivery
  • Sport and Recreation
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  • Wellbeing, Community / Social Services
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU