Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles shines. These pieces delve into complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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