Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such narratives explore intricate subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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