Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such accounts delve into complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
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 effective medical end – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
A International 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. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
