As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore complex topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
