Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles stands out. These accounts probe complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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