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Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles shines. Such accounts probe multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law

Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat contested.

The "Master" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key 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. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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