Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form articles shines. These accounts probe complex subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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