Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
