As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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