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While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These accounts explore complex themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until possibly now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.

An British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.

A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.

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