As we consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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