As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles emerges. Such accounts delve into complex topics ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a key player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter 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 Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best journalism
