🔗 Share this article

As we consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These narratives probe intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law

Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?

A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.

A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, 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 answers to which nation wins the global AI race.

The most impactful journalism