Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
