Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such narratives delve into intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
