While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These accounts probe complex subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
