While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. These narratives probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
