Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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