As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles shines. These pieces delve into intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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