Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. These narratives explore complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down 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.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
