Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. These accounts delve into intricate topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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