As we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles stands out. Such narratives probe complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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