Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted subjects including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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