As we look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles shines. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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