As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts explore complex themes including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
