While we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These pieces explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family 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: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
