As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These accounts probe complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
