While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles shines. Such accounts probe complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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