While we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These pieces explore intricate subjects from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a key query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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