The Top Long-Form Articles of the Year: A Selection of Profound Narratives

While we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles shines. Such narratives delve into intricate topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.

The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.

The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.

A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the events is still partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

A Global AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

The most impactful journalism

Haley Lin
Haley Lin

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot game reviews and gambling industry trends.