Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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