As we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These accounts explore complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
