Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These narratives explore complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
