While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US 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 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could improve. I was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
