While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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