As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories shines. These pieces delve into complex topics from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
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 expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
