While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length articles shines. Such accounts delve into complex topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
