Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
