As we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key 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 may possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
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