Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
