Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles shines. Such narratives probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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