Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such pieces delve into complex topics ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn 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 globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best stories
