As we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such pieces probe intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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