As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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