Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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