As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
