As we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
