As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such narratives explore intricate themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
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 expose the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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