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As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These pieces explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.

A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to restore order.

Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events is still partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. I was tragically misplaced.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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