Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such accounts probe complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
