As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These pieces explore intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
