Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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