As we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These narratives delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The best journalism
