Upon consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. These narratives explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
