The Finest Long-Form Articles of the Year: An Compendium of Thought-Provoking Writing

Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These accounts explore intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.

A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.

A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.

An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.

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Deanna Hernandez
Deanna Hernandez

Elena is a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast who loves exploring retro and indie games.