While we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
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 breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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