As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has become a key force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
