Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These narratives explore intricate topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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