While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles stands out. Such pieces explore complex themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "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 cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
