While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
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 betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
