While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts explore intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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