Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These accounts probe multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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