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While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own methods?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.

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