Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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