🔗 Share this article

Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles shines. These accounts probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.

A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center

An incredibly rich country has become a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain 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 Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

The finest narratives