Upon consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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