As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles shines. These narratives explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The best journalism
