As we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. These accounts probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
