As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest journalism
