Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles shines. Such pieces probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives