Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These accounts delve into complex themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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