Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
