As we look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
