Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives probe intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic 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?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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