As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such pieces explore complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
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 treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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