Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces shines. These narratives explore complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
