🔗 Share this article

As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.

A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A 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 adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore order.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

The finest journalism