While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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