Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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