As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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