While we consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These narratives delve into intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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