Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
