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As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such narratives explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back peace.

Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of what happened is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was tragically wrong.

The International AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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