While we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
