Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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