Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles emerges. These narratives explore intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
