Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These pieces explore complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
