As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives probe complex topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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