As we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These narratives delve into intricate topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a major actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal 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 latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
