Upon consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These narratives explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has become a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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