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Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.

A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly changed, and is the director's own motives?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.

The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?

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

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of what happened remains partially contested.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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