While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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