Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These pieces probe complex topics from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. This raises a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
