Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles shines. These pieces explore complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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