Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles stands out. These accounts explore intricate themes including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
