Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives