The Best Long-Form Articles of the Year: An Compendium of Compelling Narratives

As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.

The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law

Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own methods?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.

The Global AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.

The finest narratives