As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such narratives probe complex themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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