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While we look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These accounts probe intricate topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.

The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own methods?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.

Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

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

A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich country has risen as a key actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?

A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

The "Master" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?

A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the global AI race.

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