As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. These pieces probe intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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