While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles emerges. These accounts delve into intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
