While we look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such accounts probe intricate subjects including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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