While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form articles emerges. Such pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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