As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
