While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces shines. Such pieces delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
