Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, 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 most impactful stories
