While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such narratives delve into complex topics from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous 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 wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts 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 this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
