While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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