Upon consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore complex themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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