Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles emerges. These accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking 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 tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest journalism
