As we look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such narratives probe intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a major actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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