As we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. These pieces explore intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
