As we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such accounts probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
