While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles shines. These accounts delve into intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
