Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These pieces probe complex topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting critiques on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
