As we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such pieces explore intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
