While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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