Svetlana Alexievich, a Nobel Prize-winning author, has been awarded the Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award for 2026, highlighting her powerful reflections on the historical impact of the Soviet Union's end. In her discourse, she contemplates returning to her native Belarus and stresses the importance of building a future without succumbing to hatred, which she believes leads to destruction. Her latest literary work, focusing on the 'Homo Sovieticus' figure, illustrates the enduring legacy of Soviet ideology, a concept she argues still influences contemporary politics, as evidenced by the current situation in Ukraine.

Alexievich's insights are steeped in her personal experiences, particularly her involvement in the 2020 protests against Belarusian dictator Alexandr Lukashenko. Living in exile in Berlin, she observes the resurgent authoritarianism within and outside of Belarus, which she critiques as a proliferation of 'monsters'—forces that betray the ideals of freedom and democracy. Her engagement in activism alongside her literary endeavors demonstrates her commitment to advocating for her homeland amidst ongoing struggles for liberty and human rights.

The implications of Alexievich's work extend beyond Belarus, resonating with global audiences facing similar challenges of authoritarianism and historical reckoning. As she articulates the necessity of preserving memory and acknowledging past traumas, her narrative serves as a call to action for societies grappling with their own histories and the legacies of oppressive regimes. The Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award not only recognizes her unique contributions but also elevates the conversation around the responsibility of journalists and writers to address and confront the truths of our time.