While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles shines. These pieces explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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