As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives