As we look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such accounts probe complex topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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