Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such pieces delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really changed, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
