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As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.

A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A film following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?

A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A International AI Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.

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