As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These accounts explore intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best narratives
