Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts explore intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
