As we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. These pieces explore multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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