As we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
