Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These pieces explore complex subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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