As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles emerges. These accounts probe intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
